AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > February > 20 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCan’t imagine Braves without Cox
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — The Braves held their first full workout Wednesday. The man who traditionally sends them out for the first workout with a little speech was home in Adairsville burying his mother-in-law. Technically those were still the Braves on the field, but can the Braves ever really be the Braves without Bobby Cox?
He was planning to return here Wednesday night, after the funeral for Dell Boswell, who died Monday after a long illness. “It feels weird [not being there],” Cox said by phone, “but it’s like I tell the players: With these types of matters, you’ve got to be there and take care of them.”
OK, so it was only a one-day absence for the best and saddest of reasons. But seeing the Braves without their manager made you wonder what it will be like when, soon enough, Bobby Cox goes away and doesn’t come back.
“It’ll be different,” Chipper Jones said. “It’ll be weird.” And then: “[Derek] Jeter and I were talking about that this winter.”
Just as Jeter hadn’t, until this spring, played for any manager other than Joe Torre, Jones has known only one big-league skipper. And, just as Torre no longer wears pinstripes and works in the Bronx, there will come a February when Cox doesn’t come to spring training and put on a uniform.
He has hinted this will be his last season. He has also hinted it won’t. Even if the exact date is uncertain, it’s clear this astonishing run is nearing its end. Cox is 66. He has managed the Braves since June 22, 1990. (He’d been the general manager since October 1985.) For nearly two decades the Braves have been managed by the best in the business, and pretty soon they won’t be anymore.
Said Tom Glavine, on his second life as a Brave: “I feel bad for the guy taking his place.”
Someone noted that Glavine, having gone five springs without hearing the annual Cox Speech, was unfortunately denied that honor Wednesday. “The pitchers got to hear it last week,” he said. ” ‘Be a pro; wear you uniform right; don’t be stupid; there are a few spots open, so work hard’ — it’s the same thing every year, but he still writes it down. I don’t know why.”
Let the record show that these words were spoken with immense affection. Cox, as has been noted, is a players’ manager. Cox loves all his players, and over time the number of those who haven’t loved him back, Glavine said, “can be counted on two hands.” And those guys never stick around long.
During his exile in New York, Glavine got the same question every former Brave gets: What’s it like to play for Bobby Cox? “Guys wanted to know if he’s as good as it looks, and I’d say, ‘He’s probably even better.’ “
Glavine has actually played for other managers, even other Braves managers (namely, Chuck Tanner and Russ Nixon), but a lot of guys in this clubhouse have known only Cox. “If I try to envision watching and rooting for a team that Bobby’s not a part of,” Glavine said, “I know I’ll feel out of sorts. But the reality is that it is going to happen someday and, as is unfortunately the case, we’ll probably be much more appreciative of him when he’s gone.”
There’s no reason to wait, no reason this manager should be revered only in hindsight. For all the good work done by capable hands these past two decades — Schuerholz and Snyder, Chipper and Andruw, Glavine and Pendleton, Smoltz and Justice, Maddux and McGriff — there’s only one man who can be said to symbolize the latter-day Atlanta Braves, and that man was elsewhere Wednesday.
“It all cranks up again tomorrow,” Cox said, and it does. But there cannot be many baseball tomorrows left for Robert Joe Cox, the managerial likes of whom we will never see again.
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By T to the D
February 20, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
when he hangs them up there should be no mail delivery, clocks should stop, banks should close; the next skipper no matter how good will be a john smith in the annals of mlb.
jaded atl fans will yearn for the good ol’ days of bobby cox.
By tj
February 20, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
I’ve seen every Braves manager since they moved to Atlanta. I think I will probably miss him as much as the players. Come on Bobby, you and I are the same age. Can’t you go a couple more years?
By Bravesfan91
February 20, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
This Braves fan’s flag flies a little lower the day Bobby retires.
By McFann
February 20, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
What Glavine said reminds me of that Calonial Pen Life Insurance Commercial:
Chipper: how ‘bout Bobby Cox? Seems strange not seein’ him here. I miss him.
Glavine: I miss his speech. The same each year! But I still miss it…
By Joe T
February 20, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
66 IS THE NEW 46 HANG IN THERE BIG GUY.YOU AND TEX HAVE GOT THE NEXT DECADE LOCKED UP FOR THE ATL.
By Joe
February 20, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Bobby might get flack for not winning more than one world championship in 14 years, but can you tell me any other manager in the last two decades that has more wins? Anyone manage more future hall of famers? Get’s more out of his players? I can’t. Joe Torre definitely comes close. But give Cox a $200 million dollar payroll and he would win 10 world championships. The class exemplified in the Braves’ clubhouse will be legend in the era of egos and contracts. If coach Cox retires after this year, I hope it is with another title notch in his headboard. A lot has been said about the pitching staff we were blessed to watch, when Cox retires, he will go down as one of the, if not the greatest manager in the history of the game. How many seasons did we get into the playoffs when everyone said the streak would end? How many players saw their best days here? Marcus, Big Cat, Neagle, Jaret Wright, Bream, Nixon, Pendleton, the list goes on. Watch with awe and respect, you are truely watching the greatest ever!!
By Joe
February 20, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Bobby might get flack for not winning more than one world championship in 14 years, but can you tell me any other manager in the last two decades that has more wins? Anyone manage more future hall of famers? Get’s more out of his players? I can’t. Joe Torre definitely comes close. But give Cox a $200 million dollar payroll and he would win 10 world championships. The class exemplified in the Braves’ clubhouse will be legend in the era of egos and contracts. If coach Cox retires after this year, I hope it is with another title notch in his headboard. A lot has been said about the pitching staff we were blessed to watch, when Cox retires, he will go down as one of the, if not the greatest manager in the history of the game. How many seasons did we get into the playoffs when everyone said the streak would end? How many players saw their best days here? Marcus, Big Cat, Neagle, Jaret Wright, Bream, Nixon, Pendleton, the list goes on. Watch with awe and respect, you are truely watching the greatest ever!!
By Joe
February 20, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Sorry for the re-post. Sorry for the re-post. Again!!!!!
By Orlando
February 20, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Well said Joe. Just look at the careers of some of those players you mentioned and how they fell off after leaving the Braves. Say what you will about not winning world championships, and some loser will come on this blog and say something, but Cox was still able to make this team competitive 15 straight years in a sport where only 4 teams per league get in! Think about that for a second. Not to mention that the playoffs are such a crapshoot that it’s never possible to figure out who will win the title.
That said, Bobby Cox is a living legend of the game and he will never receive the respect he deserves until he’s long gone.
By JJMB
February 20, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Pull-ease. What do you expect the players to say? They toe the line. That is to be expected. The reality is Bobby Cox had FOUR HOFers during the glory years. Does it take a gifted manager to guide FOUR HOFers to one championship? I don’t think so.
By Chief Noc-a-homa
February 20, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox is a pro’s pro. Not many in this world go about their jobs with the passion that Bobby manages each game. He is also a great tactician. Even though the Braves have lost every last game they have played since 1995, if one looks they will see that in a majority of the games we lost, our star players were at the plate with the tying or wining runs in scoring position. Compare this to the number of games in which the tying run is in scoring position and a relief pitcher is up at bat. Cox always places his players in a position to win. This is the real innate genius of Cox. God speed Bobby - I hope you manage for several more years.
By justin
February 20, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
JJMB, you are a moron. Can you name any manager in any sport that has had a streak like that? You must be a New York fan.
By BabyGoatEater
February 20, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox is the greatest manager to ever step on the field is the consensus around most watering holes out this way…in Central PA….yeah thats right, in Pirate land. Hats off Mr. Cox. I know a little part of my baseball soul will die the day Cox can’t/won’t keep trotting on the field.
By Patrick
February 20, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
JJMB..ask Torre that question the past 4 years. Booby’s teams never imploded like other playoff bound teams do when things get tough. Remenber the last 2 years the Braves won the division? The last 2 were diamonds out of ashes. He was able to keep the reigns tight som the “Baby Braves” cound fit in and make a difference. Very few mangers could make that situation gel properly. But lets be 100% honest no manager in todays age has struck out with the bases loaded in the 9th, failed to advance a runner in the clutch,walked the bases loaded, blown a save, made an errant throw, etc. Bad managing calls may lose 5 games a season. Clever managing and keeping order of the overall team makes the other 157 games possible and with a real shot of winning each one of them. Bobby Cox is a class act. When I had the pleasure of eating lunch with him a few years ago he was as humble as a schoolboy. This was a year when they had a sizable lead in the division and the playoffs were less than a month away. He came across as if he was down by a few and had a real gootd shot at making a run. He never let on that he had the better team or a better staff. He doesn’t call players on the carpet in front of the media and he always finds a positive thing to say even when the player knows he blew it. Booby Cox for President!!
By Christine
February 20, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
I hope he stays with us for a few more years yet. I love him.
By Tami
February 20, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this
Do you think we can get a federal holiday in honor of Bobby Cox when he retires? (chuckling….)
Seriously, it has been truly an honor for our hometown team to be managed by one of the best managers in MLB history. I hope to be at the very last game he manages to join my voice with all others, and experience the moment. Hopefully, my young nephews will be in attendance with me!
And….GO BRAVES! Chop hard in ‘08!
By BrandonC
February 20, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
When Bobby Cox retires it’ll be just as hard as when Chipper or Smoltz retire, maybe even harder. He’s the greatest manager this team has ever seen, and it will be impossible to fill his shoes. But I take comfort in knowing that one day that #6 will be displayed in LF and the statue will greet us everytime we come to the park. He’ll retire one day, but he’ll always be a huge part of this organization.
By MDW
February 20, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Greatest regular season manager in recent memory. Awesome seasons, and it’s great to watch him take up for his players. On the other hand,biggest choker in the postseason. Way too loyal to veterans in the postseason. Not trying to hate, but let’s all be honest.
By BOBBY
February 20, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
They should build a statue of him outside Turner Field, retire his number. Maybe the Braves can honor him once a year.
BOBBY IS AMAZING
By LA Brave
February 21, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
Pfffttt. Can you tell me another manager that’s had 3 Hall of Fame pitchers in his rotation for 10 years? Multiple MVP’s? I’m a life long Braves fan and will be glad to see him go but his wife probably won’t be cause he’ll have more time at home. Steroid users and dog fighters are ostracized but wife beaters are celebrated. Keep up the good work people of Georgia.
By LA Brave
February 21, 2008 1:02 AM | Link to this
I’m not trying to be the ‘holier than thou’ fan cause I honestly believe that if he were good enough to bring 3 World Championships to the ATL I probably could overlook his domestic abuse. But he wasn’t with a lineup for the ages so the fact that he beats his wife trumps the fact that his players thinks he’s cool.
By LA Brave
February 21, 2008 1:09 AM | Link to this
Everybody, repeat after me!!!!!
“Wife beating’s cool…dog beating’s cruel. Wife beating’s cool…dog beating’s cruel.”
And Repeat.
By Duce
February 21, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this
If you look back now it seems that almost every world title we could have had was stopped by a team that had players that are either admitted or are denying steroid or HGH issues. During those times I don’t think any Brave at the time was ever accused of performance-enhancing drug use. Perhaps if the playing field was level we very well may be celebrating the greatest run in baseball and the greatest manager ever. The latter holds true in my eyes.
By LA Brave
February 21, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this
“They” say that people who are cruel to animals are more likely to grow up into people who are cruel to people. Let’s hope that Michael Vick gets rehabilitated and doesn’t turn into Bobby Cox.
By LA Brave
February 21, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this
Duce, Nobody on the Twins or Blue Jays in the early 90’s were accused of steroids nor the pre-98 Yankees. And the Bravos haven’t been back since…you might also want to look at photographs of Marcus Giles, Javy Lopez and Bret Boone if you think no Braves were involved in the steroid fun.
By LA Brave
February 21, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this
No wonder traffic is so bad in Atlanta…people like Duce are driving around with blinders on all the time.
By U Know Who
February 21, 2008 2:02 AM | Link to this
Wife beater’s rule…dog beater’s - cruel!
By Norbert
February 21, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
For the life of me I cannot figure out why everyone is so hot on Bobby Cox. He is unable to coax the best out of his players at the right time. How many times have the Braves been blown out of the playoffs and series because of his poor management and lax manner with the players. He treats them like stars, not players. And he fancies himself one. They should have gotten rid of Cox a long time ago
By richbrave
February 21, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this
BOBBY COX:
Ned Yost for Atlanta manager when Bobby retires.
By Fred Garvin, Bettendorf MP
February 21, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
There are 3 words to describe the success Cox has had in 17 years…These words are Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux Any questions? Just ask Mazzone, too.
On a separate note, let’s hope Frenchies’ added weight gain is due to natural reasons and not HGH. All the kidding going on in the locker room…I wonder if Frenchie likes being needled so much?!
By Kelley
February 21, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
It honestly brings a tear to my eye when I think of Bobby retiring.
It also makes me laugh to hear and read the ignorance of those who don’t realize and appreciate just how great Bobby is.
When people say those ignorant things about Bobby it just says to me that they really don’t know a heck of alot about baseball, those people actually IN major league baseball will tell you Bobby is one of the best all time, no questions asked.
He is one of the best leaders I have ever seeen. I’ve read a ton of books on the subject of leadership, but really all I need to do is watch any Braves game 162 days out of the year to see the best model of leadership.
You all know don’t you that when Bobby retires, we won’t know it’s coming? Let’s say it’s at the end of this season. He’ll manage every game this season with 110%, fight to the end, never mention his retirement, and then when the season is over, he’ll announce it.
That’s why Bobby is so great. He won’t need a big farewell season (how many has Clemens had now?). He won’t want the attention on him, so he’ll quietly go at the end of a season. He doesn’t need all the attention on him like so many in the game now. Hopefully the Braves will bring him back after he retires so that the fans can properly honor him.
By Whistlebritches
February 21, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
For those talking negatively about Cox, you must have never played baseball. He has gotten the best and then some out of his players. Coaching baseball is not like coaching football or basketball. You have to keep your player’s egos in check and have them play within themselves all the time. Bobby is a great psychologist and treats people as professionals. I’ll admit, sometimes I wish he’d bunt a little bit more, play base to base ball, or pull a pitcher a little earlier, but there’s no way anyone can compare to him in the last half a century aside from Joe Torre. Anyone comparing him to Michael Vick is a moron. Bobby made one mistake and obviously made ammends with his wife. Michael Vick lied until he couldn’t lie anymore.
By JEB
February 21, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
There will be memories, stories, and great recollections in years to come concerning Bobby Cox. Great manager, great organization, 17 years and STILL going! Bobby hang in there a few more years and we will hang on to the memories!
By Eric
February 21, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
excellent article, mark. I grew up with my grandfather teaching me about baseball and Bobby Cox, and I have come to recognize him as the purest form of greatness in sports. He has no equal, and when he steps down from the Braves I will be devastated, but the impact he has had on my life and passion for sports will always be acknowledged and appreciated
By Scott Hornibrook
February 21, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Why not honor Bobby Cox while he is still managing. Go ahead and get the statue of him for the stadium and name some part of Turner Field after him. The man IS the Braves !
Keep managing Bobby, you are young and we love you ! Thanks for all the great years, let’s keep doing it !
By Lew
February 21, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
MarkBradley-Great column. I got to meet Bobby Cox earlier this week. It was quite an honor. He’s a great guy.
By Phil
February 21, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
I’ve been waiting 10 years for the moron to leave, it can’t be soon enough. What has Cox done in the post season to make him a great manager? Absolutely nothing, that’s what.
Joe says Cox gets more out of his players. He didn’t get much out of Andrew Jones last year did he. Or “Home Run Soriano”, didn’t get much out of him either. Yea, let’s bring Soriano in with the game on the line.
Cox reminds me of Bobby Bowden, someone who has held on far too long. It’s time for Cox get to step aside.
By Phil
February 21, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
I’ve been waiting 10 years for the moron to leave, it can’t be soon enough. What has Cox done in the post season to make him a great manager? Absolutely nothing, that’s what.
Joe says Cox gets more out of his players. He didn’t get much out of Andrew Jones last year did he. Or “Home Run Soriano”, didn’t get much out of him either. Yea, let’s bring Soriano in with the game on the line.
Cox reminds me of Bobby Bowden, someone who has held on far too long. It’s time for Cox to retire before another post season is wasted.
By crazydawg
February 21, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Well let’s put it this way, it’s either Ned Yost or Fredi Gonzalez and neither will get it done like Bobby even though they are still beloved figures from the Cox coaching tree. Since my birth in 88 I’ve only grown up with Bobby, protecting his players and yelling at the umpires while again protecting his players. Besides Hammering Hank, there is not a single person more love than Bobby as an Atlanta Brave. It’s going to be a cruel day when that comes.
By Will
February 21, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
hey… Connie Mack was, what, 92 when he retired… I dont know what all the fuss is about… Bobby has another 20-30 years as I see it… Leave me alone I’m in denial here.
By Ramblin Wrecker
February 21, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Anyone who has some ridiculous critism of Bobby Cox and his tenure as the Braves manager are obviously not educated about baseball, or sports for that matter. One axiom of success is that the people included and involved generally are happy about their environment. Sure there can be exceptions (like the Yankees where the talent amassed is so great that it succeeds in spite of itself), but for the most part, teams that get along and respect each other and the guy in charge tend to do well provided they have enough talent to compete. Not only did Bobby Cox create a culture and environment of success, he also had a lot to do with the acquisition and grooming of the talent building blocks that started this historical run. No professional sports team in history has ever won 14 consecutive division titles. You can point to the one World Series win if you’d like and say, “unfulfilled” or “fell short” or “disappointment”, but the fact of the matter is this: there are only three active managers who have won multiple World Series (Torre, LaRussa and Francona) and only 5 others that have won one (Cox, Leyland, Pinella, Guillen and Scocia). Of those 5, only Cox has even been in another World Series, much less win another. LaRussa is a bona fide manager that has proven his worth as a winner without any caveats. He is a jerk though, which drops him in my estimation. Torre was never successful until joining the spending limit-free Yankees, and I think his mortalness will be shown in LA, where they’ve spent a lot of money, but for guys like Juan Pierre. Francona is another Torre, an okay manager prior to the Red Sox, but he benefits from the limitless resources at his disposal. If Cox had one extra accomplished bat, or one extra accomplished relief pitcher some of those other World Series might have turned out different. I’m sure one bounce of a ball could have tipped the ‘91 series in their favor.
So all this criticism of Cox is absurd. The guy gave the Braves a chance to win it all every year for 14 seasons. Ask Ozzie Guillen or Mike Scoscia how hard it is to do it. I’m sure they’d tell you what Cox has done is worth huge praise.
Anyone who thinks otherwise is a fool.
By BravesFan4Life
February 21, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
My love for the Braves runs deep! It runs deep for all the beloved players who have been a part of the greatness since Bobby became manager in 1990. I agree with many of you that we will never see the likes of Cox again. But just be glad we were able to be fans during his memorable time here. Treasure the memories: sid bream slide, world series ring, 14 consecutive division titles. It has been GREAT to be a braves fan these last 2 decades! I would love for Cox to get another WS Ring before he leaves!! However, if we were to win it this year, would he say “bye” because he would be going out on a great note?!
By ScottBravesfan
February 21, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Bobby is a good manager you people are nuts for blasting him.
Go Braves!!!
By joel
February 21, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
cox is not god,braves would survive
By bdhypes
February 21, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this
Baseball will survive,as it always does,it will just be lesser of a place.The Braves MUST find a way to honor a respected Baseball Man.
By spudster
February 21, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
BOBBY THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES. I DONT CARE WHAT ANYONE SAYS. YOU ARE THE GREATEST!
By l>r@\/e5
February 22, 2008 3:34 AM | Link to this
I think everyone will agree on some truths. Pete Rose, an infamous figure of baseball due to gambling, is the greatest hitter the game has seen thus far. Darryl Strawberry, a human highlight for many years during the 80s and early 90s, has had more than a fair share of drug problems. Most recently, Roger clemens, one of the all time greatest pitchers, is looking lately like bill clinton during the monica lewinsky scandal. The names could go on- Jose canseco, Barry bonds, Josh gibson- all players, while deserving of great recognition from fans around the world, that have defamed themselves leaving tarnished marks on otherwise sterling carrers. And basbell is not the only. Lyle alzado. Kobe Bryant. Bobby knight. Michael vick. Len bias. Even one of the most recognizable figures in the history of sports, Michael Jordan, is not exempt of personal troubles away from his job. The point should be apparent by now. The duty of we, the fans, to respect these figures for their incredible accomplishments despite issues unrelated to the game should not change. Then, enter bobby cox. Debateably the greatest skipper baseball has ever seen is not free from off the field issues, though on the field he has earned the respect of peers, players, and yes, the fans too. Though his accomplishments are not to the level some feel he should have, he commands respect without having to yell for it. players dream of learning under him, coaches wish to be as masterful as him, and we the fans are allowed to dream what it would be like to be in his cleats for just a day. We, the fans, are allowed to imagine making a tough decision from his view, with his mind, while leo mazzone rocks nervously beside him and we sit on couches or belly up to a sports bar or occupy one of the beautiful seats in Turner Field (rip Fulton County stadium). we, the fans, should take our own bit of responsibility for elevating these figures to the heroic context and super human box we so often like to place superstars in, forget the personal drama hyped by a media trying to earn their pay by reporting on the domestic situations of atheletes, and remember to enjoy it. “I Love This Game” still rings true with me, as I know it does all you faithful debators. I, for one, will miss everyone of these figures I’ve named at the end of the day, especially those who have passed. Most of all, I will miss Bobby Cox, who has brought pride and prestige to this, my home state baseball organization that I’ve supported since I was old enough to marvel over Dale Murphy, since 1990. His off field life is not the issue. After all, he isn’t OJ.
By honest and Brave
February 22, 2008 3:35 AM | Link to this
I think everyone will agree on some truths. Pete Rose, an infamous figure of baseball due to gambling, is the greatest hitter the game has seen thus far. Darryl Strawberry, a human highlight for many years during the 80s and early 90s, has had more than a fair share of drug problems. Most recently, Roger clemens, one of the all time greatest pitchers, is looking lately like bill clinton during the monica lewinsky scandal. The names could go on- Jose canseco, Barry bonds, Josh gibson- all players, while deserving of great recognition from fans around the world, that have defamed themselves leaving tarnished marks on otherwise sterling carrers. And basbell is not the only. Lyle alzado. Kobe Bryant. Bobby knight. Michael vick. Len bias. Even one of the most recognizable figures in the history of sports, Michael Jordan, is not exempt of personal troubles away from his job. The point should be apparent by now. The duty of we, the fans, to respect these figures for their incredible accomplishments despite issues unrelated to the game should not change. Then, enter bobby cox. Debateably the greatest skipper baseball has ever seen is not free from off the field issues, though on the field he has earned the respect of peers, players, and yes, the fans too. Though his accomplishments are not to the level some feel he should have, he commands respect without having to yell for it. players dream of learning under him, coaches wish to be as masterful as him, and we the fans are allowed to dream what it would be like to be in his cleats for just a day. We, the fans, are allowed to imagine making a tough decision from his view, with his mind, while leo mazzone rocks nervously beside him and we sit on couches or belly up to a sports bar or occupy one of the beautiful seats in Turner Field (rip Fulton County stadium). we, the fans, should take our own bit of responsibility for elevating these figures to the heroic context and super human box we so often like to place superstars in, forget the personal drama hyped by a media trying to earn their pay by reporting on the domestic situations of atheletes, and remember to enjoy it. “I Love This Game” still rings true with me, as I know it does all you faithful debators. I, for one, will miss everyone of these figures I’ve named at the end of the day, especially those who have passed. Most of all, I will miss Bobby Cox, who has brought pride and prestige to this, my home state baseball organization that I’ve supported since I was old enough to marvel over Dale Murphy, since 1990. His off field life is not the issue. After all, he isn’t OJ.
By honest and Brave
February 22, 2008 3:36 AM | Link to this
I think everyone will agree on some truths. Pete Rose, an infamous figure of baseball due to gambling, is the greatest hitter the game has seen thus far. Darryl Strawberry, a human highlight for many years during the 80s and early 90s, has had more than a fair share of drug problems. Most recently, Roger clemens, one of the all time greatest pitchers, is looking lately like bill clinton during the monica lewinsky scandal. The names could go on- Jose canseco, Barry bonds, Josh gibson- all players, while deserving of great recognition from fans around the world, that have defamed themselves leaving tarnished marks on otherwise sterling carrers. And basbell is not the only. Lyle alzado. Kobe Bryant. Bobby knight. Michael vick. Len bias. Even one of the most recognizable figures in the history of sports, Michael Jordan, is not exempt of personal troubles away from his job. The point should be apparent by now. The duty of we, the fans, to respect these figures for their incredible accomplishments despite issues unrelated to the game should not change. Then, enter bobby cox. Debateably the greatest skipper baseball has ever seen is not free from off the field issues, though on the field he has earned the respect of peers, players, and yes, the fans too. Though his accomplishments are not to the level some feel he should have, he commands respect without having to yell for it. players dream of learning under him, coaches wish to be as masterful as him, and we the fans are allowed to dream what it would be like to be in his cleats for just a day. We, the fans, are allowed to imagine making a tough decision from his view, with his mind, while leo mazzone rocks nervously beside him and we sit on couches or belly up to a sports bar or occupy one of the beautiful seats in Turner Field (rip Fulton County stadium). we, the fans, should take our own bit of responsibility for elevating these figures to the heroic context and super human box we so often like to place superstars in, forget the personal drama hyped by a media trying to earn their pay by reporting on the domestic situations of atheletes, and remember to enjoy it. “I Love This Game” still rings true with me, as I know it does all you faithful debators. I, for one, will miss everyone of these figures I’ve named at the end of the day, especially those who have passed. Most of all, I will miss Bobby Cox, who has brought pride and prestige to this, my home state baseball organization that I’ve supported since I was old enough to marvel over Dale Murphy, since 1990. His off field life is not the issue. After all, he isn’t OJ.