Sports

Support, prayers pouring in for former Braves manager Bobby Cox after stroke

By Zach Klein, WSB-TV and Justin Wilfon, WSB-TV
By Zach Klein, WSB-TV and Justin Wilfon, WSB-TV

COBB COUNTY, Ga. — Former Braves manager Bobby Cox is on the mind of milions of baseball fans as he remains in the hospital after a possible stroke.

Sources told Channel 2 Sports Director Zach Klein that Cox was home alone Tuesday afternoon and wasn't feeling well. Cox went to tell a neighbor and was rushed to the hospital.

Klein learned from MLB sources Wednesday that Cox underwent surgery to remove a blood clot around his brain. The stroke affected Cox's speech and the right side of his body.

We caught up with fans as they arrived for Wednesday night's game against the Cubs.

“I want Bobby Cox to know that all of Braves country is praying for him and we want to see him back,” said CJ LaChapelle, who brought a sign in support of the legend.

Channel 2 Action News received these statements from the Atlanta Braves and the Cox family:

Statement from the Cox family:
"We want to thank all of you who have sent their well wishes or said a prayer.  We know the power of Braves Country and we hope those prayers and positive thoughts continue as Bobby heals. You don't know how much your support means to Bobby and to our family"

Statement from the Atlanta Braves:
"We know no one stronger or more determined than Bobby Cox.  Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he recovers.  We look forward to seeing him soon and would like to thank the baseball community for joining together to support our dear friend." 

Klein visited the Braves locker room hours before they are set to play the Chicago Cubs at SunTrust Park.

"He's holding up great as Bobby would. He's a strong man, very determined. It's just something right now that we're doing a lot of praying for him," said Braves manager Brian Snitker, who has been part of the organization for more than 40 years.

[PHOTOS: Bobby Cox through the years]

Support has been pouring in for Cox from his former players too, including Hall of Fame infielder Chipper Jones and outfielder Andruw Jones.

[READ: Bobby Cox sees statue at SunTrust Park for first time]

Cox Media Group

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