Bobby Cox

Guide Note:

Bobby Cox is a former baseball player and the current manager of the Atlanta Braves.

Fast Facts:

1. Born: May 21, 1941
2. Birthplace: Tulsa, Oklahoma
3. 1995: World Series Champion
4. Played two seasons for New York Yankees
5. Has been ejected from games more times than any manager in baseball history
6. Almost certainly a future Hall of Famer

A native of Oklahoma, Cox had a brief playing career, with all of his time in the majors spent as the third baseman for the New York Yankees in 1968 and 1969. His career numbers decidedly unimpressive (nine home runs, 58 RBIs, .225 average), Cox began managing in the Yankees farm system in 1976.

In managing, Cox would find his home in baseball. In 1978, Cox began his first managerial stint with the Atlanta Braves, then a struggling team which perennially finished last in the NL West. His first two seasons as manager were no different, as the Braves, again, finished last both years. However, in 1980, the Braves finished with a record above .500 for the first time since 1972. Cox was fired by Braves owner Ted Turner during the strike-shortened 1981 season, and in 1982 began managing the also-perennially struggling Toronto Blue Jays. With the Blue Jays, Cox proved himself to be an able, capable, and successful manager. Between 1982 and 1985, the Jays steadily became a contender, until 1985 when they finished first in the AL East, winning 99 games. Cox returned to the Braves in 1986 as general manager, but in 1990 ended up appointed himself manager of the Braves for the second time.

Cox has managed the Braves since 1990, and built them into the most consistently dominant team in baseball. During his 19 seasons managing the team, they have finished first fourteen times in their division, won the pennant four times, and won the World Series once, in 1995. In addition, the Braves have won 100 or more games six times during his second tenure with the club.