Bobby Cox tributes: Former Braves players say he was a ‘second father’ to them

ATLANTA — Former Atlanta Braves players are sharing their favorite stories and memories of Bobby Cox.

Cox died on Saturday at the age of 84 at his home in metro Atlanta.

Tributes have been posted all across social media from fans, MLB legends and former Atlanta Braves players and coaches who Cox worked alongside for years.

In honor of Cox and Ted Turner, a former team owner and media titan who died Wednesday, the Braves and Dodgers held a moment of silence ahead of their game in LA Tuesday night.

Here are the statements posted so far. This will be updated with more tributes as they come in.

Braves manager Walt Weiss

“I remember ’99 when we lost the World Series to the Yankees. I mean, to a man, everybody in the room felt like we let Bobby down. That’s how we felt. And that’s powerful, you know, and that doesn’t just happen in professional sports. But that just goes to show how guys felt about Bobby. We, to a man, we felt like we let him down.”

Andruw Jones, Braves centerfielder and future Baseball Hall of Fame inductee

“RIP my second Father 🙏🏾"

Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux

Hall of Famer John Smoltz, via MLB Network

“There’s no chance I get inducted into the @baseballhall without Bobby Cox... he embodied what it is to lead men."

Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine

Braves legend Chipper Jones

“I’m saddened that my skipper is gone. I know he’s in a better place.”

Former Braves player and All-Star Dale Murphy,

“We were saddened to hear the news today of Bobby’s passing. So thankful for the chance to play for him. What can I say? He saved my career. Hung in there with me during my early days and made the decision to move me to the outfield. Changed my career/life forever. From Nancy and I, and the whole Murphy family—thank you, Bobby. Rest in peace."

Former Braves catcher Brian McCann

Eddie Perez, 1995 World Series champion and current Braves coach

“I am saddened to hear the passing of Bobby Cox. Bobby was very influential in my career both as a player and as a coach but perhaps the most important influence he had on me was as being like a 2nd father to me. Coming to this country at a young age and feeling lost at times became easier when you had people like Bobby in your corner to be your support and always push you to be better. Bobby, you will be missed but I will never forget the impact you had on me, my career, my family, and this organization. ❤️"

Brad Clontz, 1995 World Series champion

“Sad day, this man meant the world to us. The greatest manager we could ever have asked to play for. RIP Bobby , thanks for all you did for my career. Trusted me in any pressure situation especially with bases loaded. Will cherish those memories forever.”

CJ Nitkowski, former Braves pitcher and current analyst

Jason Heyward, former Braves player

“Mr. Bobby Cox. My original skipper ❤️ Thank you for everything you’ve done for the game of baseball. Thank you for what you’ve done for the many of people you’ve come across in this life. My condolences to the family 🙏🏾"

Former Brave Freddy Freeman

“He lived a great life; everyone loved him in baseball... we’re gonna miss him immensely.”

Former Brave Ozzie Guillen, who went on to manage the White Sox to a World Series

“Skip — thank you for helping shape me as a coach and as an MLB manager. Your guidance and belief in me will always mean a lot. Thank you for the time You took in helping me make my transition from player to coach. And I ended up loving cigars after all (smiley face emoji). Much respect always.”

Current announcer and former Braves player Jeff Francoeur

“I’m an announcer- I never have an issue with knowing what to say. But sometimes words aren’t enough— I’m at loss as to how to explain the impact Bobby Cox had on me as a baseball player and as a human being. He was simply the best. Rest well, Bobby. You were one of one."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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