The Atlanta Braves have announced the passing of Bob Horner, one of the greatest players in franchise history. He was 68.
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A Kansas native, Horner actually spent his college career playing for Arizona State University. He landed with the Braves as the first overall pick in the 1978 Draft, and he made a unique move. He went directly to the majors instead of spending time in the minor leagues.
This move paid dividends for the Braves. Horner won Rookie of the Year after hitting 23 home runs in 89 games. He accounted for 63 RBIs on 86 hits.
The fomer first overall pick spent nine seasons with the Braves. He earned All-Star honors in 1982 while helping the Braves win the NL West. He hit 215 home runs during his Atlanta tenure, which included a four-homer game against the Expos in 1986. He delivered 652 RBIs.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 26, 2026
Horner spent the 1987 season playing baseball in Japan. He then returned to the United States in 1988 to join the Cardinals. He made appearances in 60 games during his final season, and he hit three home runs.
"We are saddened by the passing of former Braves third baseman Bob Horner," Major League Baseball said in a statement. "The first overall pick in the 1978 MLB Draft, Horner made the jump straight to the Majors without playing a single day in the Minors.
"Just ten days after being drafted, Horner made his MLB debut and homered off future Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven. Horner went on to blast 23 home runs in just 89 games and won NL Rookie of the Year honors.
"He went on to top the 30-homer mark three times in the next four years and was a National League All-Star in 1982, when he helped lead the Atlanta Braves to a division title."
Horner is the third prominent member of the Braves to pass away this year. Former team owner Ted Turner died in early May at the age of 87. Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox then died days later at the age of 84.
