Bob Horner, MLB Rookie of the Year in 1978, passes away
The Atlanta Braves announced the physical disappearance of Horner, who played for the franchise for a decade
Bob Horner, historic former Atlanta Braves player and winner of the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1978, died at the age of 68, the Major League organization reported this Tuesday. The former third baseman left a career marked by his offensive power, his college years at Arizona State and a career in which he broke several barriers since his arrival in professional baseball.
The Braves confirmed the news in a statement in which they recalled several of the highlights of his career. "Bob Horner built a career based on being first. He was the first overall pick in the 1978 draft after a brilliant college career. He was the first player selected by the Braves to completely skip the minor leagues and debut directly in the Major Leagues," the franchise noted.
Horner arrived in MLB just ten days after being chosen in the 1978 draft. In his debut he hit a home run off Bert Blyleven, who years later would enter the Hall of Fame. That campaign ended with 23 home runs and 63 RBIs in only 89 games, figures that allowed him to win the recognition as the best rookie in the National League.
Throughout his 10 seasons in the Major Leagues, nine of them were played with Atlanta and one with the St. Louis Cardinals. He alternated roles between third and first base, although most of his career was spent in the hot corner of the infield.
A career marked by offensive power
During the 1980s, Horner formed one of the most dangerous offensive duos in the National League with Dale Murphy. In 1980 he reached the best home run record of his career with 35 home runs and surpassed the 30 home run barrier in three different seasons.
In 1982 he was called to the All-Star Game and helped Atlanta advance to the National League Championship Series. That year he finished with 32 home runs and 97 RBIs.
One of the most memorable moments of his career occurred on July 6, 1986, when he hit four home runs in the same game against the Montreal Expos. That performance equaled a Major League record and became the only four-homer game recorded in the entire 1980s.
Injuries limited part of his career, although he still closed his time in MLB with 218 home runs in 1,020 games.
The Braves sent their condolences to his wife Chris, his sons Tyler and Trent, as well as his friends and fans.