'A bond with Bong Jung-keun': Legendary MLB manager with 2,504 career wins passes away at 84. "An outstanding manager who led the Atlanta dynasty, always a coach who trusted his players"

*This content was translated by AI.

Legendary former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox, who left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball (MLB) history, has passed away at the age of 84. The baseball world is steeped in deep sorrow over the death of the master who dominated an era.

MLB's official website 'MLB.com' and the U.S. sports outlet The Athletic reported on the 10th (Korean time) that "Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox has died at the age of 84." Atlanta's organization also confirmed the news. According to the club, Manager Cox had been battling complications such as heart failure following a stroke in 2019.

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1941, Manager Cox made his debut as an infielder with the New York Yankees in 1968, but his playing career was short due to knee injuries and other ailments. Over two MLB seasons, he appeared in 220 games, batting .225 (141 hits in 628 at-bats) with nine home runs and 58 RBIs. However, his capabilities as a manager were unparalleled. Starting his managerial career in Atlanta in 1978, he went on to manage the Toronto Blue Jays before returning to Atlanta in 1990 to write a new legend.

His achievements are dazzling. From 1991 to 2005 (excluding the 1994 strike), he achieved the unprecedented record of 14 consecutive division titles. Under his leadership, players who represented Atlanta, including Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Greg Maddux, and Chipper Jones, played their careers. Furthermore, Cox's career total of 2,504 wins as a manager is a historic record, ranking fourth all-time in MLB history. He was named Manager of the Year four times. In 1995, he led Atlanta to a World Series championship, securing the first professional sports title in the history of the Atlanta franchise. He retired from managing after the 2010 season, and in 2011, his jersey number 6 was designated as a retired number. In 2014, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions as a manager.

In fact, Manager Cox is also a familiar figure to Korean baseball fans. He formed a bond by directly managing Bong Jung-keun (formerly of the LG Twins), who had played for Atlanta in the past. Manager Cox, who highly evaluated the potential of Bong Jung-keun, then a young prospect, also served as a mentor who helped him gain experience on the MLB stage.

Manager Cox holds the MLB all-time record for ejections, with 162 career ejections. The Athletic noted, "It was not because Cox had a short temper, but rather an action taken to thoroughly protect his players. He was always a manager who supported his players." He earned the absolute trust of his players with his lifelong philosophy: "Whether my players are right or wrong, it is the manager's role to fight for them."

His disciple, Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine, recalled, "Bobby was like a second father to me," adding, "He was a genius at creating an environment where players could play freely." MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred also paid tribute in a statement, saying, "Manager Cox led the greatest era of sustained success in baseball history."

Even after retirement, Manager Cox served as an advisor to Atlanta, guarding the baseball field until the end. Although his body has left us, the myth of his 14 consecutive championships and his fierce competitive spirit will remain forever in MLB history.

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*This content was translated by AI.