Baseball fans across the nation are mourning the loss of Bob Horner, the Arizona State legend and Atlanta Braves icon, who died at age 68, as announced by the Braves on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Horner, renowned for his prodigious power and trailblazing career, leaves behind a rich legacy that spans college stardom, major league milestones, and unforgettable moments etched into the sport’s history.
"Bob Horner built a career out of being first," the Braves declared in their heartfelt statement. "He was the first overall pick in the 1978 draft after an illustrious collegiate career. He was the first Braves draftee to skip the minor leagues entirely and debut directly in the majors. And he was the first Atlanta player to ever hit four home runs in a single game, when he did so against the Montreal Expos in 1986." The club extended sincere sympathies to his wife, Chris, his two sons, Tyler and Trent, and his many friends and fans across the game.
Horner’s journey to baseball immortality began at Arizona State University, where he was nothing short of a phenomenon. During his tenure with the Sun Devils, he launched 58 career home runs—a then-NCAA record—and earned All-WAC honors in each of his three seasons. His time at ASU culminated in three College World Series appearances, including a national title in 1977, when Horner was named the Most Outstanding Player. He also became the first recipient of the Golden Spikes Award in 1978, given annually to the best player in college baseball. His collegiate exploits led to his induction into the inaugural College Baseball Hall of Fame class in 2006.
Drafted first overall by the Atlanta Braves in 1978, Horner made history before he ever took the field in the minors—because he never did. The Braves made the bold move to bring him straight to the majors, and he responded in dramatic fashion. On June 16, 1978, at just 20 years old, Horner homered off Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven in his very first MLB game. Over his rookie season, he played 89 games, slashing .266/.313/.539 with 23 home runs and 63 RBIs, which earned him National League Rookie of the Year honors over runner-up Ozzie Smith.
In Atlanta, Horner quickly established himself as one of the game’s premier power hitters. He spent nine of his ten MLB seasons with the Braves, primarily manning third base but also seeing time at first. His partnership with Dale Murphy formed one of the most feared power duos in baseball throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s—a bright spot for Braves fans during an otherwise challenging era for the team. As one fan reminisced, "There wasn’t a ton for Braves fans to cheer about during the 1980s but if there was something to cheer about, there was a decent chance that it involved either Dale Murphy or Bob Horner."
Horner’s numbers with the Braves are a testament to his talent and consistency. He finished his Braves career with a .277 batting average, 215 home runs (eighth in franchise history), 685 RBIs, and a slash line of .277/.340/.499. His OPS of .839 and OPS+ of 127 underscore his offensive prowess. He had three seasons with at least 30 home runs, peaking with 35 in 1980. In 1982, he was named an NL All-Star, and that year he smashed 32 home runs with 97 RBIs, helping the Braves reach the NLCS. He received MVP votes in multiple seasons, including 1979, 1980, and 1983.
Perhaps the most iconic moment of Horner’s career came on July 6, 1986, when he became the first Atlanta player—and just the ninth in baseball history—to hit four home runs in a single game. The feat, achieved against the Montreal Expos, remains a highlight in Braves lore and a testament to Horner’s prodigious power. According to MLB records, he is still one of the few players to ever accomplish this remarkable achievement.
After the 1986 season, Horner became a free agent at age 28. However, in a controversial chapter of baseball history, MLB owners were found to have colluded to suppress free agent salaries, leaving Horner without a major league offer. Undeterred, he signed with the Yakult Swallows in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball for the 1987 season. There, he put up staggering numbers: a .327 batting average, .423 on-base percentage, .683 slugging, and 31 home runs in just 93 games. Despite his success overseas, Horner returned to the majors in 1988 with the St. Louis Cardinals. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury limited him to just 60 games, and a subsequent spring training comeback attempt with the Baltimore Orioles in 1989 did not materialize.
Horner’s MLB career totals are impressive: 1,047 hits, 218 home runs, and a .277 average over 1,020 games. Injuries curtailed some of his seasons, but his impact on the game was never in doubt. He also received more than $7 million as part of the MLB collusion settlement, a small consolation for a career that might have soared even higher under different circumstances.
Beyond the numbers, Horner was a beloved figure in Braves Country and among baseball aficionados. His name is still invoked with reverence by fans who watched him play, and his partnership with Dale Murphy remains legendary. The Braves organization, in their statement, captured the sentiment of many: "The Atlanta Braves extend sincere sympathies to his wife, Chris, two sons, Tyler and Trent, and his numerous friends and fans across the game." The cause of death has not been immediately released, but the outpouring of tributes from across the baseball world speaks volumes about Horner’s influence and the void his passing leaves.
As the baseball community reflects on Bob Horner’s remarkable life and career, his legacy endures—not just in the record books, but in the memories of those who witnessed his greatness firsthand. From his days as a Sun Devil to his historic feats in Atlanta, Horner’s story is one of talent, courage, and unforgettable firsts. Braves fans, and the wider world of baseball, will remember him fondly for generations to come.