The Braves players and coaches sent their best wishes to legendary manager Bobby Cox, who was hospitalized following a stroke Tuesday night.
Cox’s condition is serious. Those close to him say he’s been in great spirits after surgery.
Manager Brian Snitker and general manager Alex Anthopoulos visited him in the hospital Wednesday.
“We know no one stronger or more determined than Bobby Cox,” the Braves said in a statement. “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.”
Snitker was “stunned” upon hearing the news. Snitker was with the organization through Cox’s lengthy tenure and considers the Hall of Fame manager a mentor and best friend. He said he told Cox he loved him during Tuesday’s visit.
“He’s holding up great, as Bobby would,” said Snitker, who choked up talking about his mentor. “He’s a strong man. He’s very determined. He has a strong will. It’s just something right now that we’re all doing a lot of praying for him.”
Cox, 77, is still a daily presence in the organization. He was there through spring training and provided the ceremonial "Let's play ball" cheer before first pitch on opening day. Snitker and Cox sit down for coffee around an hour before every home game.
There are several Braves who played under Cox, including franchise-pillar Freddie Freeman, who debuted in Cox’s final season.
“It’s tough,” he said. “But we all know Bobby Cox. I don’t think a stroke is going to keep him down. We’ll see him here real soon hopefully.
“He’s a Hall of Fame manager; he’s a Hall of Fame person. I think if anybody knows the man who Bobby Cox is, it just chokes you up. It’s tough to see things like this happen to a great man. But when you know Bobby, it puts a smile on your face as well because you know he’s tough as they can come. He means the world to not only me, but everyone in this organization.”
Catcher Brian McCann, one of the team’s key players in Cox’s later seasons, added: “You just hope for a speedy recovery. Bobby is one of the best human beings any of us have ever met. He’s touched so many lives in here. … He’s an icon. He is the Atlanta Braves.”
Reliever Jonny Venters, whom Cox nicknamed “the vulture” after he snipped a few wins early in his career, said his prayers are with him and the family, adding: “You hear all the great things about him, being a player’s manager, the way he treats people, the way he goes about his business – for me, everything was true. All those great things are true. He’s always positive and treats everyone with kindness and respect. I’m rooting for him.”
Cox was the leader of the Braves’ golden era, when they captured 14 consecutive division titles and won the 1995 World Series. He was first a GM who added players such as Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, Steve Avery, Tom Glavine and others. He assumed the managerial role in 1990 and guided the team until 2010.
A four-time manager of the year, Cox’s No. 6 is retired by the Braves. He won 2,504 games as a manager and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.
“We want to thank all of you who have sent their well wishes or said a prayer,” the family said in a statement. “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.”
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