Bob Horner, Former Braves Player and College Baseball Hall of Famer, Passes Away at 68

Bob Horner, Baseball Legend, Passes Away at 68

Bob Horner, a celebrated figure in Arizona State baseball and a former standout with the Atlanta Braves, has passed away at the age of 68, as announced by the team on Tuesday.

The Braves paid tribute to Horner with a statement highlighting his remarkable career:

“Bob Horner built his career at No. 1. After an impressive collegiate career, he was the first player chosen in the 1978 draft. He made history by skipping the minors altogether and going straight to the majors. In 1986, he became the first player for Atlanta to hit four home runs in a single game against the Montreal Expos.”

Horner was awarded the National League Rookie of the Year in 1978 and earned All-Star honors in 1982. He and Dale Murphy teamed up for nearly a decade, creating one of the most powerful duos in baseball.

“The Atlanta Braves extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Chris, his two sons, Tyler and Trent, and his many friends and fans across the sport,” the statement continued.

During his Major League Baseball career, Horner played nine seasons with the Braves and concluded his time in the league with the St. Louis Cardinals before retiring.

In his rookie season, Horner hit 23 home runs, drove in 63 runs, and achieved an OPS of .852. He made his only All-Star Game appearance in 1982, hitting over 30 home runs that season and helping lead the Braves to the NLCS with 32 home runs and 97 RBIs.

He also enjoyed 30 home run seasons in 1979 and 1980, finishing his career with a total of 218 home runs in 1,020 games.

At Arizona State, Horner made his mark with 58 home runs, setting an NCAA record at the time. He was recognized as All-WAC for all three of his collegiate seasons and played in the College World Series every year, winning a national championship in 1977 and earning the Most Valuable Player Award there. He also received the Golden Spikes Award in 1978, honoring the top college baseball player.