ATLANTA (AP) — Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox made a rare appearance at Truist Park for the Atlanta Braves’ game against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday night and was met with a standing ovation.
The 83-year-old Cox was introduced as “the very best manager in the history of the game, our beloved No. 6, Bobby Cox,” prompting cheers from the crowd.
Cox, who led the Braves to the 1995 World Series championship and retired after the 2010 season, stood and waved with his left hand as his wife, Pam, became emotional from the extended applause. Braves manager Brian Snitker also joined in the ovation, looking up to the private box where Cox was watching the game.
Cox was hospitalized in 2019 after suffering a stroke.
Snitker, who took over as manager in 2016 and guided Atlanta to the 2021 World Series title, has stayed close with Cox and frequently visits him. Cox also visited the Braves’ clubhouse before the game.
Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014, Cox’s No. 6 has been retired by the Braves.
Cox had two separate terms as the Braves’ manager. He first led the team from 1978 to 1981, then managed the Toronto Blue Jays from 1982 to 1985. He returned to Atlanta as the team’s general manager in 1986 and resumed managing in 1991.
He is one of just four managers to have been named Manager of the Year in both the American League and National League, earning the award a total of four times.
