The baseball world is mourning the loss of former Atlanta Braves star Bob Horner, who has died at the age of 68. Horner, one of the franchise’s most recognizable players during the late 1970s and 1980s, leaves behind a lasting legacy as a power hitter and fan favorite during an important era in Braves history.
The Atlanta Braves announced his passing, though a cause of death was not disclosed. His death comes during an emotional period for Braves fans, following the recent losses of former owner Ted Turner and Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox earlier this month.
Born in Kansas and raised in Arizona, Horner became a standout baseball talent at Arizona State University, where he earned national recognition as the Most Outstanding Player of the 1977 College World Series and received the prestigious Golden Spikes Award in 1978. That same year, the Braves selected him first overall in the Major League Baseball Draft.
Horner made his major league debut just days after being drafted and immediately made an impact, winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award after hitting 23 home runs in only 89 games during the 1978 season.
Alongside fellow Braves star Dale Murphy, Horner became one of the faces of the franchise during the early TBS era. Known for his powerful bat and clutch performances, he earned an All-Star selection in 1982, helping lead Atlanta to its first division title and postseason appearance since 1969.
One of the defining moments of his career came on July 6, 1986, when he hit four home runs in a single game against the Montreal Expos — a feat that remains unique in the Atlanta era of Braves baseball.
Over nine seasons with Atlanta, Horner hit 215 home runs and drove in 652 RBIs while posting a .278 batting average.
Horner later played in Japan and briefly returned to Major League Baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals before retiring due to a shoulder injury at age 31.
He is survived by his wife, Chris, and sons Tyler and Trent. Bob Horner’s impact on Braves history and the fans who watched him play will not be forgotten.