Bob Horner, Braves legend of the 1980s, dies at 68
Horner was the 1978 NL Rookie of the Year and remains one of the most recognizable Braves players of his era.
ATLANTA (41NBC/WMGT) — Former Atlanta Braves star Bob Horner has died at the age of 68, according to the Atlanta Braves.
Horner was the first overall pick in the 1978 MLB Draft and made his Major League debut just days later without ever playing a Minor League game.
He spent most of his career with the Braves from 1978 through 1986 before later playing in Japan and finishing his Major League career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1988.
Horner was named National League Rookie of the Year in 1978 and earned an All-Star selection in 1982 while helping lead Atlanta to a National League West title.
He remains one of the most recognizable Braves players from the late 1970s and early 1980s alongside Dale Murphy and Phil Niekro.
One of the most memorable moments of Horner’s career came July 6, 1986, when he hit four home runs in a game against the Montreal Expos at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.
Horner and Joe Adcock are the only Braves players in the modern era to hit four home runs in a single game.
Over 10 Major League seasons, Horner hit .277 with 218 home runs and an .839 OPS despite dealing with multiple injuries throughout his career.
The Braves said Horner is survived by his wife, Chris, and sons Tyler and Trent.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 26, 2026
