SouthernWorldwide.com – Bob Horner, a former star for the Atlanta Braves renowned for hitting four home runs in a single game, has passed away at the age of 68. The team announced his death on Tuesday.
Horner’s impressive career included being named the National League Rookie of the Year in 1978. He also earned a spot on the All-Star team in 1982, marking his sole appearance.
The Atlanta Braves shared a statement regarding Horner’s passing on social media. The team did not disclose the cause of death.
“Bob Horner’s career was marked by numerous ‘firsts’,” the Braves stated. “He was the first overall pick in the 1978 draft following a distinguished collegiate career. He was also the first Braves draftee to bypass the minor leagues and debut directly in the majors.”
“Furthermore, he became the first Atlanta player to achieve the remarkable feat of hitting four home runs in a single game, accomplishing this against the Montreal Expos in 1986,” the statement continued.
The team highlighted his achievements, noting, “The National League Rookie of the Year in 1978 and an NL All-Star in 1982, Horner, alongside Dale Murphy, formed one of the most formidable power-hitting duos in baseball for nearly a decade.”
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“The Atlanta Braves extend their sincere condolences to his wife, Chris, his two sons, Tyler and Trent, and his many friends and fans throughout the baseball world.”
Horner spent nine of his ten major league seasons with the Braves. He concluded his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals in his final year.
Throughout his career, Horner participated in 1,020 games, amassed 218 home runs, and never recorded more than 75 strikeouts in a single season.
Atlanta selected him as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1978 MLB Draft from Arizona State University. He had a standout collegiate career with the Sun Devils and was later inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class.
His collegiate accolades also include being named the 1977 College World Series MVP and winning the first ever Golden Spikes Award in 1978, recognizing him as the top player in college baseball.
