Bob Horner, a renowned third baseman and the first overall draft pick in 1978, has passed away at the age of 68. His wife, Chris, shared the news with the Atlanta Braves, who confirmed it on social media. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Horner’s baseball journey is remarkable. He made history by skipping the minor leagues and debuted with a home run against Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven on June 16, 1978. In his rookie season, he hit 23 home runs and was named the National League Rookie of the Year, finishing with a solid batting average of .266.
Over his 10-year career, mainly with the Braves, Horner hit 218 homers. One of his most memorable moments came on July 6, 1986, when he became the first player in Braves history to hit four home runs in a single game. That achievement was unique, marking the only four-homer game in the majors during the 1980s.
Horner’s batting technique was impressive—he never struck out more than 75 times in a season, and he maintained a lifetime batting average of .277. He had three seasons with over 30 homers, including a career-high 35 in 1980. His performance earned him an All-Star selection in 1982 when he batted .261 and drove in 97 runs.
After leaving the Braves post-1986, he spent a year playing in Japan before returning to play for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1988. Sadly, he retired during spring training in 1989.
Beyond his professional achievements, Horner also made a significant impact in college baseball. He was the MVP of the 1977 College World Series and won the inaugural Golden Spikes Award in 1978, recognizing him as the top college player. In total, he set a then-record for NCAA career home runs with 56, a mark later surpassed by Pete Incaviglia.
Horner was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006, celebrating a legacy of firsts in his career. The Braves honored him, stating that he “built a career out of being first.” His contributions to the game and pioneering spirit will be remembered by fans and players alike.
For baseball enthusiasts, Horner’s story serves as a reminder of the talent and determination that can change the course of a career, paving the way for future generations.
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