Bobby Cox
First as manager of the Blue Jays, and later managing the Atlanta Braves, Bobby Cox set a record for most division titles won. Through 2005, his Braves had won a remarkable 14 consecutive division titles, and he earned one with Toronto in 1985. During his years in Atlanta, the Braves won five pennants and a World Series crown in 1995. Cox's teams, often built on power and pitching, won at least 100 games six times, but were disappointing in the post-season, losing 10 of 21 playoff series, and posting a 1-4 mark in the Fall Classic. Despite his Autumn failures, Cox had been named manager of the year four times through 2005, when he won his 1,700th game.
Quotes From Cox
"It's a long way from Opening Day to the World Series. So many things can go wrong. Sometimes the difference [between winning and losing] is just a matter of catching a few breaks or not."
Played For
New York Yankees (1968-1969)
Managed
Atlanta Braves (1978-1981)
Toronto Blue Jays (1982-1985)
Atlanta Braves (1990-2004)
Best Season: 1998
The Braves led the National League in pitching and were third in offense, slugging 215 home runs. Cox guided the juggernaut to 106 victories and a sweep of the Cubs in the first round of the playoffs. But the Padres beat them in six games in the NLCS.
Factoids
Though he hit just .229 with seven homers, Yankee third baseman Bobby Cox was named to the AL All-Rookie team as a third baseman in 1968.
Bobby Cox was first base coach for the New York Yankees in 1977, when they won the World Series.
In the six seasons that Bobby Cox led the Atlanta Braves to 100 or more wins, only once (in 1999) did the team win the pennant.
Most Times Ejected, Manager, All-Time
1. John McGraw... 131
2. Leo Durocher... 124
3. Bobby Cox... 117
4. Earl Weaver... 98
5. Frankie Frisch... 86
6. Paul Richards... 80
7. Tony LaRussa... 73
8. Lou Piniella...71
9. Clark Griffith... 67
10. Bill Dahlen... 65
11. Joe Torre... 64
Source: Doug Pappas and SABR
Where He Played
Cox was a longtime minor league infielder who finally earned a look from the Yankees in the late 1960s. In 628 career at-bats, he hit .225 with nine homers. After he was released, he got into coaching and managing in the minors, in the Yankee organization. He also did some scouting, advance scouting, and player development.
Born
Robert Joseph Cox was born on May 21, 1941, in Tulsa, OK.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Primary Position: 3B
Primary Team: NYA
Major League Debut
April 14, 1968 ... Cox was signed out of high school in California for $40,000 by the Dodgers.
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1968
Ted Simmons
Al Oliver
Hal McRae
Dusty Baker
Richie Hebner
Bobby Bonds
Rollie Fingers
Andy Messersmith
Freddie Patek
Similar Players
Earl Weaver
Related Players
Leo Mazzone, Pat Corrales
Feats
The 15 division titles won by Bobby Cox have not been equalled in baseball history.
Best Strength as a Player
Ability to utilize his bench and recognize players who can contribute in pinch or platoon roles.
Largest Weakness as a Player
Winning short post-season series.
Learn More about Bobby Cox
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View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
