Hall of Fame baseball manager Bobby Cox, who led Atlanta to 1st major sports title, dead at 84

Bobby Cox, the folksy Atlanta manager whose teams ruled the National League during the 1990s and gave the city its first major title as well as World Series trips that fell short, died Saturday. He was 84.

Cox died in Marietta, Ga., according to the team. He had a stroke in 2019 and heart issues that complicated his recovery.

Cox took over a last-place team in June 1990 and led Atlanta to a worst-to-first finish in 1991, losing the World Series to the Minnesota Twins in seven games. That was the start of what was to become a record 14 consecutive division titles, a feat no professional team in any sport had accomplished.

He managed Atlanta for 25 years and led the club to its first World Series title in 1995, retired after the 2010 season and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

"Bobby was a favourite among all in the baseball community, especially those who played for him. His wealth of knowledge on player development and the intricacies of managing the game were rewarded with the sport's ultimate prize in 2014 — enshrinement into the Baseball Hall of Fame," the team said in a statement.

As of Saturday, Cox ranks fourth all-time with 2,504 wins, fifth with 4,508 games, first with 15 division titles including a record 14 in a row, first with 16 playoff appearances and fourth with 67 playoff victories.

Only Connie Mack, John McGraw and Tony La Russa had more regular-season wins than Cox. His 158 regular-season ejections also was the most among managers.

Gov. Brian Kemp said the state of Georgia and the team lost a true legend in Cox.

"His vision, talent and management style not only earned him a spot in the National Hall of Fame, but also built a legacy that will endure for generations to come," Kemp said.

Cox's