Bobby Cox retired after 25 years of coaching the Atlanta Braves. In his time with the Braves he compiled a record of 2,149 wins and 1,709 losses. He also directed the team to five pennants and one World Series win.
There is no doubt that he’ll end up Baseball’s Hall of Fame for his accomplishments as manager of the Braves. During his time he had the opportunity to coach a number of talented players and with that being said here’s a look at the top 25 players that Cox managed in his 25 years with the Braves.
No. 25 Jason Heyward
Jason Heyward a 20 year old made an immediate impact in 2010 as a rookie in terms of his talent and ability, Heyward would have been ranked right up with group of best players under Bobby Cox. The reason that he is not ranked higher is because Cox only had the pleasure of managing Heyward for a single season.
As for Heyward he made an immediate splash in his first big league game against the Chicago Cubs as he had two hits, two runs scored, reached on an error, hit a homerun, drove in four runs, and struck out once. He was also an All-Star as a rookie.
Heyward played in 142 games, he had 144 hits, 29 doubles, five triples, 18 homeruns, 72 rbis, 11 stolen bases, 91 walks, 128 strikeouts, an average of .277 and a .393 on-base percentage. He ended the season ranked fourth in both on-base percentage and walks.
In the post season he had two hits, a walk, eight strikeouts, a .125 average, and a .176 on-base percentage.
Though he struggled in the posteason Heyward will have have an exceptional career it's fortunate for Cox to have been able to manage a talented player like Heyward.
No. 24 Dale Murphy
Dale Murphy is the only player from Cox's first stint with the Braves that made the list as those teams weren't very successful and Murphy was the best player during Cox's tenure. He appeared in 515 games and had 477 hits, 260 runs, 60 doubles, eight triples, 90 homeruns, 275 rbis, 183 walks, 417 strikeouts, a .258 average, and a .324 on-base percentage.
His best season came in 1980 when he had 160 hits, 98 runs scored, 27 doubles, two triples, 33 homeruns, 89 rbis, 59 walks, 133 strikeouts, a .281 average and a .349 on-base percentage.
No. 23 Tommy Hanson
Tommy Hanson is another talent that Cox had at the twilight of his managerial career. Hanson came up in 2009 and made 21 starts and in 2010 he upped his start totals to 34.
In his 55 starts with the Braves he has a record of 21-15, a 3.16 ERA, one complete game, thrown 330.1 innings, given up 287 hits, 128 runs with 116 earned, has 19 hit batsmen, five wild pitches, and has struck out 289 to 102 walks.
He's only made one start in the playoffs and that was in 2010 he lasted four innings giving up five hits, four runs all four were earned, and struck out five while walking one.
Hanson also struggled in the postseason like Heyward, but both gained valuable experience that can be used even after Cox is gone. The two will be the centerpieces of the Braves lineup for years to come.
No. 22 Marquis Grissom
Marquis Grissom played two seasons with the Braves his first year was mediocre, but his second year he thrived with the Braves. He was a dangerous leadoff hitter because he could hit for power he also could utilize his speed.
His totals for the two seasons with the Braves he played in 297 games, had 349 hits, 186 runs scored, 55 doubles, 13 triples, 35 homeruns, 116 rbis, 57 stolen bases, 88 walks, 134 strikeouts, a .286 average and a .335 on-base percentage.
The best season for Grissom was 1996 when he appeared in 158 games and had 207 hits, 106 runs scored, 32 doubles, 10 triples, 23 homeruns, 74 rbis, 28 stolen bases, 41 walks, 73 strikeouts, a .308 average and a .349 on-base percentage.
In the postseason Grissom shined for the Braves as he played in 33 games and had 48 hits, 23 runs scored, six doubles, two triples, four homeruns, 13 rbis, nine stolen bases, four walks, 22 strikeouts, a .345 average and a .361 on-base percentage.
Prior to the start of the 1997 season Grissom was traded to the Cleveland Indians.
Marquis Grissom played two seasons with the Braves his first year was mediocre, but his second year he thrived with the Braves. He was a dangerous leadoff hitter because he could hit for power he also could utilize his speed.
His totals for the two seasons with the Braves he played in 297 games, had 349 hits, 186 runs scored, 55 doubles, 13 triples, 35 homeruns, 116 rbis, 57 stolen bases, 88 walks, 134 strikeouts, a .286 average and a .335 on-base percentage.
The best season for Grissom was 1996 when he appeared in 158 games and had 207 hits, 106 runs scored, 32 doubles, 10 triples, 23 homeruns, 74 rbis, 28 stolen bases, 41 walks, 73 strikeouts, a .308 average and a .349 on-base percentage.
In the postseason Grissom shined for the Braves as he played in 33 games and had 48 hits, 23 runs scored, six doubles, two triples, four homeruns, 13 rbis, nine stolen bases, four walks, 22 strikeouts, a .345 average and a .361 on-base percentage.
Prior to the start of the 1997 season Grissom was traded to the Cleveland Indians.
No. 21 Andres Galarraga
Andres Galarraga spent three years with the Braves, but missed one of those seasons after battling Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. When he was acquired by the Braves as a free agent the Braves already knew what to expect from the first basemen, which was to provide power in the lineup.
In the two years he spent with the Braves he played in 294 games, had 318 hits, scored 170 runs, with 52 doubles, two triples, 72 homeruns, 221 rbis, 99 walks, 272 strikeouts, a batting average of .303 and a .384 on-base percentage.
His best season with the Braves came in 1998 when he played in 153 games, had 169 hits, scored 103 runs, with 27 doubles, a triple, 44 homeruns, 121 rbis, 63 walks, 146 strikeouts, a batting average of .305 and a .397 on-base percentage. In both years he made the NL All-Star team.
In the post season he wasn't nearly as successful as he appeared in 12 games picking up seven hits, three runs scored, a double, one homerun, five rbis, nine walks, 13 strikeouts, a .162 average and a .302 on-base percentage.
In the post season he wasn't nearly as successful as he appeared in 12 games picking up seven hits, three runs scored, a double, one homerun, five rbis, nine walks, 13 strikeouts, a .162 average and a .302 on-base percentage.
Galarraga left the Braves after the 2000 season and signed with the Texas Rangers.
No. 20 Gary Sheffield
Gary Sheffield played two seasons in Atlanta after being acquired in a trade with the Dodgers and like Galarrage he spent two seasons with the Braves. In those two seasons Sheffield had 341 hits, 208 runs scored, 63 doubles, two triples, 64 homeruns, 216 rbis, 30 stolen bases, 158 walks, 108 strikeouts, a .319 average, and a .412 on-base percentage.
For Sheffield his best season came in 2003 as he played in 155 games and contributed 190 hits, 126 runs scored, 37 doubles, two triples, 39 homeruns, 132 rbis, 18 stolen bases, 86 walks, 55 strikeouts, a .330 average, and a .419 on-base percentage.
In the post season his numbers weren't nearly as good as he had three hits, three runs scored, one homerun, two rbis, nine walks, three strikeouts, a .100 average, and a .300 on-base percentage.
Sheffield left as a free agent after the 2003 season and signed with the New York Yankees.
No. 19 Brian Jordan
Brian Jordan could arguably considered on the best athletes to play under Cox and before Heyward came along he was the best athlete that Cox has managed. Jordan played in the outfield, but before coming over to the Braves from the St. Louis Cardinals he played safety in the NFL before injuries forced him to retire the league.
Jordan played parts of five years with the Braves and appeared in 535 games picking up 437 hits, 289 runs scored, 96 doubles, nine triples, 71 homeruns, 323 rbis, 141 walks, 318 strikeouts, a .275 average and a .327 on-base percentage.
His best season with the Braves came in 1999 his first year with the Braves when he participated in 153 games, had 163 hits, 100 runs scored, four triples, 23 homeruns, 115 rbis, 51 strikeouts, 81 walks, a .283 average and a .346 on-base percentage.
In the postseason Jordan was up and down he appeared in 28 games picking up 27 hits, nine runs scored, five doubles, four homeruns, 22 rbis, nine walks, 21 strikeouts, a .262 average and a .313 on-base percentage.
Jordan had two stints with the Braves the first one ended with him being traded to the Dodgers and the second stint ended after he was granted free agency after the 2006 season.
No. 18 Marcus Giles
Marcus Giles was a pesky player in his six seasons as the second basemen for the Braves. He played in 676 games, had 717 hits, 416 runs scored, 187 doubles, 13 triples 72 homeruns, 294 rbis, 318 walks, 523 strikeouts, a .285 average, and a .353 on-base percentage.
His best single season came in 2003 when he had 174 hits, 101 runs scored, 49 doubles, two triples, 21 homeruns, 69 rbis, 59 walks, 80 strikeouts, a .316 average, and a .390 on-base percentage. He made one NL All-Star team.
In the post season he had 20 hits, 15 runs scored, three doubles, two homeruns, six rbis, seven walks, 20 strikeouts, a average of .217, and a .277 on-base percentage.
After the 2006 season he departed via free agency and signed with the San Diego Padres.
No. 17 Rafael Furcal
Rafael Furcal was the man that got the offense rolling for the Braves as he utilized his speed into in the six years he was the starting shortstop and in the field he possessed a strong arm. He played in 817 games contributing 924 hits, 554 runs, 160 doubles, 38 triples, 57 homeruns, 292 rbis, 189 stolen bases, 320 walks, 475 strikeouts, a .284 average, and a .348 on-base percentage.
His best season came in 2003 when he had 194 hits, 130 runs scored, 35 doubles, 10 triples, 15 homeruns, 61 rbis, 25 stolen bases, 60 walks, 76 strikeouts, a .292 average, and a .352 on-base percentage.
In the postseason he had 22 hits, 13 runs, one double, two triples, two homeruns, six rbis, nine stolen bases, 12 walks, 15 strikeouts, and a .231 average, .345 on-base percentage.
After the 2005 season Furcal left the Braves as a free agent and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
No. 16 Mark Wohlers
Mark Wohlers threw hard and started out as a middle reliever but eventually turned into the closer for the Braves. He had tremendous success in that role as he had a dominating fast that he could blow by hitters. In his nine seasons with the Braves he appeared in 388 games, had a 31-22 record, finished 233 games, had 112 saves, a 3.73 era, pitched 386.1 innings, gave up 331 hits, 178 runs, 160 of those runs were earned, gave up 20 homeruns, 204 walks to 437 strikeouts.
His best season in his Braves career came in 1996 when he appeared in 77 games, 64 of the games he finished, a 2-4 record, had 39 saves in 77.1 innings, gave up 71 hits, 30 runs, 26 of those runs were earned and 21 walks to 100 strikeouts.
Wohlers was even more effective in the postseason for the Braves as he appeared in 38 games, 25 games were finished, 1-2 record, 10 saves, 37.2 innings, 2.18 ERA, 16 walks and 43 strikeouts.
In April of 1999 Wohlers was traded to the Cincinnati Reds.
Mark Wohlers threw hard and started out as a middle reliever but eventually turned into the closer for the Braves. He had tremendous success in that role as he had a dominating fast that he could blow by hitters. In his nine seasons with the Braves he appeared in 388 games, had a 31-22 record, finished 233 games, had 112 saves, a 3.73 era, pitched 386.1 innings, gave up 331 hits, 178 runs, 160 of those runs were earned, gave up 20 homeruns, 204 walks to 437 strikeouts.
His best season in his Braves career came in 1996 when he appeared in 77 games, 64 of the games he finished, a 2-4 record, had 39 saves in 77.1 innings, gave up 71 hits, 30 runs, 26 of those runs were earned and 21 walks to 100 strikeouts.
Wohlers was even more effective in the postseason for the Braves as he appeared in 38 games, 25 games were finished, 1-2 record, 10 saves, 37.2 innings, 2.18 ERA, 16 walks and 43 strikeouts.
In April of 1999 Wohlers was traded to the Cincinnati Reds.
No. 15 Fred McGriff
Fred McGriff was an excellent pickup for the Braves as he was acquired from the San Diego Padres before the trade deadline in 1993 and in his time with the club he was excellent. McGriff played in 636 games, had 700 hits, 383 runs scored, 132 doubles, five triples, 130 homeruns, 446 rbis, 285 walks, 454 strikeouts, a .293 average, and a .369 on-base percentage.
As for McGriff his best season came in 1996 when he played in 159 games, had 182 hits, 81 runs scored, 37 doubles, a triple, 28 homeruns, 107 rbis, 68 walks, 116 strikeouts, a .295 average and a .365 on-base percentage. He also made three All-Star games.
In the post season that's where McGriff shined in 45 games he had 54 hits, 35 runs scored, 11 doubles, a triple, 10 homeruns, 34 rbis, a .323 average and a .411 on-base percentage.
McGriff ended his tenure with the Braves by being purchased by the Tampa Bay Rays in 1997.
Fred McGriff was an excellent pickup for the Braves as he was acquired from the San Diego Padres before the trade deadline in 1993 and in his time with the club he was excellent. McGriff played in 636 games, had 700 hits, 383 runs scored, 132 doubles, five triples, 130 homeruns, 446 rbis, 285 walks, 454 strikeouts, a .293 average, and a .369 on-base percentage.
As for McGriff his best season came in 1996 when he played in 159 games, had 182 hits, 81 runs scored, 37 doubles, a triple, 28 homeruns, 107 rbis, 68 walks, 116 strikeouts, a .295 average and a .365 on-base percentage. He also made three All-Star games.
In the post season that's where McGriff shined in 45 games he had 54 hits, 35 runs scored, 11 doubles, a triple, 10 homeruns, 34 rbis, a .323 average and a .411 on-base percentage.
McGriff ended his tenure with the Braves by being purchased by the Tampa Bay Rays in 1997.
No. 14 Jeff Blauser
Jeff Blauser played 11 seasons in Atlanta, but under Cox it was for eight seasons as Cox's second tenure with the Braves started in 1990 and Blauser had his career started in 1987. Blauser was a consistent producer in the lineup for the Braves at the shortstop position and provided power on occasion.
In the eight seasons he had 565 hits, 322 runs scored, 107 doubles, 15 triples, 54 homeruns, 257 rbis, 258 walks, 384 strikeouts, a .275 average and a .361 on-base percentage. His best season came in 1993 when he had 182 hits, 110 runs scored, 29 doubles, two triples, 15 homeruns, 73 rbis, 16 stolen bases, 85 walks, 109 strikeouts, a .305 average, and a .401 on-base percentage. He made two All-Star games as well.
For the postseason Blauser did struggle he appeared in 56 games for the Braves and had 35 hits, 25 runs, two doubles, two triples, five homeruns, 16 rbis, 23 walks, 45 strikeouts, a .210 average and a .294 on-base percentage.
Blauser left following the 1996 season and signed as a free agent with the Chicago Cubs.
No. 13 Ron Gant
Ron Gant like Blauser played for the Braves before Cox was hired as manager, so he only had four seasons playing for him. In that time Gant became one of the better outfielders in baseball as he could hit for power but also steal bases.
In the four seasons under Cox, Gant contributed 622 hits, 395 runs scored, 118 doubles, 16 triples, 117 homeruns, 386 rbis, 125 stolen bases, 233 walks, 408 strikeouts, a .272 average and a .340 on base percentage.
His best season came in 1993 when he had 166 hits, 113 runs scored, 27 doubles, four triples, 36 homeruns, 117 rbis, 67 walks, 117 strikeouts, a .274 average and a .345 on-base percentage. He made on All-Star game.
In the postseason Gant appeared in 31 games had 25 hits, 18 runs, five doubles, one triple, three homeruns, 16 rbis, 11 stolen bases, 11 walks, 22 strikeouts, a .219 average and a .279 on-base percentage.
In 1994 Gant was signed by the Cincinnati Reds as a free agent.
No. 12 Tim Hudson
Tim Hudson came over in a trade from the Oakland Athletics and if it weren't for injuries he would have been a little higher on the list. When he has been healthy he has lived up to the expectations of being the bulldog pitcher that he was known for as a member of the Athletics.
In his career with the Braves he has appeared in 162 games starting 161 of those games, he has a record of 73-48, a 3.57 ERA, seven complete games, three shutouts, in 1047.2 innings, 1,013 hits, given up 439 runs with 415 being earned, and 642 strikeouts to 324 walks.
His best season came in 2010 when he started 34 games had a record of 17-9, a 2.83 era, a complete game, 228.2 innings pitched, 189 hits, 74 runs with 72 earned, and 139 strikeouts to 74 walks.
In the postseason he has appeared in three games, has a record of 0-1, a 3.56 era, pitched 20.2 innings, given up nine runs with eight being earned and 13 strikeouts to 10 walks.
Tim Hudson came over in a trade from the Oakland Athletics and if it weren't for injuries he would have been a little higher on the list. When he has been healthy he has lived up to the expectations of being the bulldog pitcher that he was known for as a member of the Athletics.
In his career with the Braves he has appeared in 162 games starting 161 of those games, he has a record of 73-48, a 3.57 ERA, seven complete games, three shutouts, in 1047.2 innings, 1,013 hits, given up 439 runs with 415 being earned, and 642 strikeouts to 324 walks.
His best season came in 2010 when he started 34 games had a record of 17-9, a 2.83 era, a complete game, 228.2 innings pitched, 189 hits, 74 runs with 72 earned, and 139 strikeouts to 74 walks.
In the postseason he has appeared in three games, has a record of 0-1, a 3.56 era, pitched 20.2 innings, given up nine runs with eight being earned and 13 strikeouts to 10 walks.
No.11 Kevin Millwood
No. 10 Steve Avery
Steve Avery pitched in seven seasons with the Braves he had some seasons where he was tremendous and other seasons where he was inconsistent. He pitched in 203 games while starting 201 of those games. He had a record of 72-62, a .383 era, 14 complete games, six shutouts, 1222.1 innings pitched, gave up 1,180 hits, 577 runs with 520 earned, and had 815 strikeouts to 371 walks. He made one All-Star game and that was in 1993.
Even though he had his up and down seasons in the seven years with the Braves he pitched extremely well in the postseason. He appeared in 18 games while starting 12 of those game and had a record of 5-3, a 2.90 era, 77.2 innings pitched, 61 hits, 28 runs with 25 earned and 60 strikeouts to 29 walks.
Avery left the Braves after the 1996 season as he signed with the Boston Red Sox as a free agent.
No. 9 Terry Pendleton
Kevin Millwood had seasons where he was up and down in his six year tenure with the Braves organization. He appeared in 168 games and started 160 of those games. He had a record of 75-46, a 3.73 era, six complete games, two shutouts, 1004.1 innings pitched, gave up 918 hits, 456 earned runs with 416 earned and striking out 840 to 303 walks.
The postseason was up and down for Millwood as he pitched in nine games while starting seven of those games. He had a record of 3-3, a 3.92 era, one complete game, one save, 41.1 innings pitched, gave up 33 hits, 20 runs with 18 earned and 38 strikeouts to six walks.
Millwood was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies after the 2002 season.
No. 10 Steve Avery
Steve Avery pitched in seven seasons with the Braves he had some seasons where he was tremendous and other seasons where he was inconsistent. He pitched in 203 games while starting 201 of those games. He had a record of 72-62, a .383 era, 14 complete games, six shutouts, 1222.1 innings pitched, gave up 1,180 hits, 577 runs with 520 earned, and had 815 strikeouts to 371 walks. He made one All-Star game and that was in 1993.
Even though he had his up and down seasons in the seven years with the Braves he pitched extremely well in the postseason. He appeared in 18 games while starting 12 of those game and had a record of 5-3, a 2.90 era, 77.2 innings pitched, 61 hits, 28 runs with 25 earned and 60 strikeouts to 29 walks.
Avery left the Braves after the 1996 season as he signed with the Boston Red Sox as a free agent.
No. 9 Terry Pendleton
Terry Pendleton played five seasons for the Braves and had some tremendous seasons with the Braves including winning the 1991 MVP Award for his efforts. Like Jordan he had two stints with the Braves. In the five years he appeared in 593 games had 669 hits, 319 runs scored, 130 doubles, 13 triples, 71 homeruns, 322 rbis, 143 walks, 327 strikeouts, a .287 average and a .327 on-base percentage. He was also selected for one All-Star game and also earned one gold glove award.
In the postseason he was inconsistent he appeared in 44 games had 40 hits, 16 runs scored, 10 doubles, one triple, three homeruns, 14 rbis, seven walks, 18 strikeouts, a .260 average and a .285 on-base percentage.
Pendleton left as a free agent in 1994 and signed with the Florida Marlins. In the 1996 season he was traded back to the Braves from the Marlins. After the 1996 season Pendleton became a free agent and signed with the Cincinnati Reds.
No. 8 Brian McCann
Brian McCann would definitely be higher on the list if he had a few more seasons serving as the catcher for the Braves under Cox. He's played in six seasons for the Braves so far and has collected 752 hits, 326 runs scored, 181 doubles, two triples, 112 homeruns, 466 rbis, 274 walks, 399 strikeouts, a .289 average and a .360 on-base percentage.
His best season with the Braves was 2006 when he appeared in 130 games had 147 hits, 61 runs scored, 34 doubles, 24 homeruns, 93 rbis, 41 walks, 54 strikeouts, a .333 average and a .388 on-base percentage. McCann in the five full seasons he has caught for the Braves has made the NL All-Star roster.
Though he doesn't have a tremendous amount of playoff experience he has been one of the more consistent hitters for the Braves as of late. In seven games he has nine hits, four runs scored, a double, three homeruns, eight rbis, a walk 10 strikeouts, a .300 average and a .313 on-base percentage.
Brian McCann would definitely be higher on the list if he had a few more seasons serving as the catcher for the Braves under Cox. He's played in six seasons for the Braves so far and has collected 752 hits, 326 runs scored, 181 doubles, two triples, 112 homeruns, 466 rbis, 274 walks, 399 strikeouts, a .289 average and a .360 on-base percentage.
His best season with the Braves was 2006 when he appeared in 130 games had 147 hits, 61 runs scored, 34 doubles, 24 homeruns, 93 rbis, 41 walks, 54 strikeouts, a .333 average and a .388 on-base percentage. McCann in the five full seasons he has caught for the Braves has made the NL All-Star roster.
Though he doesn't have a tremendous amount of playoff experience he has been one of the more consistent hitters for the Braves as of late. In seven games he has nine hits, four runs scored, a double, three homeruns, eight rbis, a walk 10 strikeouts, a .300 average and a .313 on-base percentage.
No. 7 Javy Lopez
Javy Lopez played in 12 seasons with the Braves his first two years he saw sporadic playing time, but for the next 10 years he was the fixture behind the plate for the Braves. He appeared in 1,156 games collecting 1,148 hits, 508 runs, 190 doubles, 14 triples, 214 homeruns, 694 rbis, 271 walks, 728 strikeouts, a .287 average and a .337 on-base percentage.
His best season came in 2003 when he played in 129 games, had 150 hits, 89 runs scored, 29 doubles, three triples, 43 homeruns, 109 rbis, 33 walks, 90 strikeouts, a .328 average and a .378 on-base percentage. He made three NL All-Star games and also picked up a NLCS MVP.
In the post season Lopez appeared in 60 games had 57 hits, 27 runs scored, 14 doubles, 10 homeruns, 28 rbis, 14 walks, 40 strikeouts, a .278 average and a .324 on-base percentage.
After the 2003 season Lopez was signed as a free agent by the Baltimore Orioles.
No. 6 David Justice
David Justice made an immediate impact as a rookie and was a valuable contributor for the Braves for seven years under Cox. He appeared in just 16 games in 1989 the year before Cox took over in his second stint with the club. He also made two NL All-Star teams.
In the span of seven years Justice played in 801 games, had 774 hits, 468 runs scored, 124 doubles, 16 triples, 159 homeruns, 519 rbis, 449 walks, 483 strikeouts, a .276 average and a .375 on-base percentage. His best season came in 1993 when he appeared in 157 games, had 158 hits, 90 runs scored, 15 doubles, four triples, 40 homeruns, 120 rbis, 78 walks, 90 strikeouts, a .270 average and a .357 on-base percentage.
In the postseason he appeared in 46 games, had 36 hits, 26 runs scored, four doubles, seven homeruns, 27 rbis, 35 walks, 26 strikeouts, a .217 average and a .360 on-base percentage.
Justice was traded after the 1996 season to the Cleveland Indians.
David Justice made an immediate impact as a rookie and was a valuable contributor for the Braves for seven years under Cox. He appeared in just 16 games in 1989 the year before Cox took over in his second stint with the club. He also made two NL All-Star teams.
In the span of seven years Justice played in 801 games, had 774 hits, 468 runs scored, 124 doubles, 16 triples, 159 homeruns, 519 rbis, 449 walks, 483 strikeouts, a .276 average and a .375 on-base percentage. His best season came in 1993 when he appeared in 157 games, had 158 hits, 90 runs scored, 15 doubles, four triples, 40 homeruns, 120 rbis, 78 walks, 90 strikeouts, a .270 average and a .357 on-base percentage.
In the postseason he appeared in 46 games, had 36 hits, 26 runs scored, four doubles, seven homeruns, 27 rbis, 35 walks, 26 strikeouts, a .217 average and a .360 on-base percentage.
Justice was traded after the 1996 season to the Cleveland Indians.
No. 5 Andruw Jones
Andruw Jones while with the Braves was both tremendous offensively and defensively. In his time with the Braves he won 10 gold glove awards and made five All-Star games. He contributed in his 12 seasons 1,683 hits, 1,045 runs scored, 330 doubles, 34 triples, 368 homeruns, 1,117 rbis, 717 walks, 1,394 strikeouts, a .263 average and a .342 on-base percentage.
For Jones the postseason has meant some solid success as he has played in 75 games has 65 hits, 43 runs scored, eight doubles, 10 homeruns, 33 rbis, 34 walks, 50 strikeouts, a .273 average, and a .365 on-base percentage.
He departed from the Braves after the 2007 season as a free agent and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
No. 4 Tom Glavine
Tom Glavine pitched for 13 seasons with Cox as his manager. He made eight All-Star games, two Cy Young Awards, and a World Series MVP. He made 433 starts a record of 219-114, a 3.23 era, 45 complete games, 18 shutouts, 2913 innings pitched, gave up 2,746 hits, 1,155 runs with 1,046 earned and struck out 1,860 to 1004 walks.
His best season with the Braves came in 1998 when he started 33 games, had a record of 20-6, an era of 2.47, four complete games, three shutouts, 229.1 innings pitched and struck out 157 while walking 74.
In the post season Glavine was solid as he started 32 games, a record of 12-15, a 3.45 era, three complete games, 201.1 innings and struck out 137 to 80 walks.
Glavine left the Braves after the 2002 season as a free agent and signed with the New York Mets.
No.3 Greg Maddux
Greg Maddux was one of the best pitchers in baseball while a member of the Braves. He pitched in 11 seasons with the Braves and started 363 games. He had a record of 194-88, a 2.63 era, 61 complete games, 21 shutouts, gave up 2,773 hits, 845 runs with 739 earned and 1,828 strikeouts to 383 walks. He made 10 All-Star teams while a member of the Braves and three Cy Young Awards.
His best season came in 1995 when he started 28 games had a record of 19-2, a 1.63 era, 10 complete games, three shutouts, 209.2 innings pitched, gave up 147 hits, 39 runs with 38 being earned and striking out 181 to 23 walks.
Greg Maddux was one of the best pitchers in baseball while a member of the Braves. He pitched in 11 seasons with the Braves and started 363 games. He had a record of 194-88, a 2.63 era, 61 complete games, 21 shutouts, gave up 2,773 hits, 845 runs with 739 earned and 1,828 strikeouts to 383 walks. He made 10 All-Star teams while a member of the Braves and three Cy Young Awards.
His best season came in 1995 when he started 28 games had a record of 19-2, a 1.63 era, 10 complete games, three shutouts, 209.2 innings pitched, gave up 147 hits, 39 runs with 38 being earned and striking out 181 to 23 walks.
In the postseason Maddux had some success as he started 30 games, had a record of 11-13, 181.2 innings, an era of 2.83, two complete games, gave up 160 hits and struck out 106 to 37 walks.
Maddux left after the 2003 season as a free agent and signed with the Chicago Cubs.
Maddux left after the 2003 season as a free agent and signed with the Chicago Cubs.
No. 2 Chipper Jones
Chipper Jones has played his entire 17 year career under the direction of Cox. It would have been a unique situation to see the best coach in franchise history and one of the best players in franchise history retire at the same time. That did not happen as Jones has decided to not retire.
Jones in his time with Cox appeared in 2,261 games and has collected 2,490 hits, 1,505 runs scored, 493 doubles, 37 triples, 436 homeruns, 1,491 rbis, 1,404 walks, 1,278 strikeouts, a .306 average and a .405 on-base percentage. He has been named to six All-Star teams and has one MVP Award.
His best season came in 1999 when he played in 157 games and had 181 hits, 116 runs scored, 41 doubles, a triple, 45 homeruns, 110 rbis, 25 stolen bases, 126 walks, 96 strikeouts, a .319 average and a .441 on-base percentage.
In the postseason Jones has continued his success as he has appeared in 92 games and has collected 96 hits, scored 58 runs, 18 doubles, 13 homeruns, 47 rbis, 72 walks, 60 strikeouts, a .288 average and a .411 on-base percentage.
Chipper Jones has played his entire 17 year career under the direction of Cox. It would have been a unique situation to see the best coach in franchise history and one of the best players in franchise history retire at the same time. That did not happen as Jones has decided to not retire.
Jones in his time with Cox appeared in 2,261 games and has collected 2,490 hits, 1,505 runs scored, 493 doubles, 37 triples, 436 homeruns, 1,491 rbis, 1,404 walks, 1,278 strikeouts, a .306 average and a .405 on-base percentage. He has been named to six All-Star teams and has one MVP Award.
His best season came in 1999 when he played in 157 games and had 181 hits, 116 runs scored, 41 doubles, a triple, 45 homeruns, 110 rbis, 25 stolen bases, 126 walks, 96 strikeouts, a .319 average and a .441 on-base percentage.
In the postseason Jones has continued his success as he has appeared in 92 games and has collected 96 hits, scored 58 runs, 18 doubles, 13 homeruns, 47 rbis, 72 walks, 60 strikeouts, a .288 average and a .411 on-base percentage.
No. 1 John Smoltz
John Smoltz spent a majority of his career with the Braves and under the direction of Cox in fact he spent 18 years of his career with Cox as his manager. Not only did Smoltz become a great starter for the Braves, but he was an excellent closer for the team as well.
He appeared in 667 games with 425 of those starts. He has a record of 196-129, 48 complete games, 16 shutouts, 154 saves, 3123 innings pitched, given up 2,745 hits, 1,217 runs with 1,122 earned, and 2,806 strikeouts to 887 walks. He went to seven All-Star games, has a NLCS MVP Award, a Cy Young Award, and Relief Pitcher of the Year Award.
Best season as a starter for Smoltz came in 1996 when he appeared in 35 games, had a record of 24-8, a 2.94 era, six complete games, two shutouts, 253.2 innings pitched, gave up 199 hits, 93 runs with 83 earned, and 276 strikeouts to 55 walks.
His best season as a closer was in 2002 when he appeared in 75 games, finished 68 of those games, had a 3-2 record, a 3.25 era, 801 innings, 55 saves, gave up 59 hits, 30 runs with 29 earned and striking out 85 to 24 walks.
What made Smoltz the number one player under Cox was his postseason success. He appeared in 41 games with 27 starts. He has a record of 14-4, a 2.65 era, 207 innings pitched, two complete games, one shutout, four saves, gave up 168 hits, 66 runs with 61 earned and 194 strikeouts to 67 walks.
Smoltz left the Braves after the 2008 season as a free agent and signed with the Boston Red Sox.
Under the direction of Cox he has had the opportunity to coach some very talented players. The list should bring back the memories of some great Atlanta players as well as teams.
He appeared in 667 games with 425 of those starts. He has a record of 196-129, 48 complete games, 16 shutouts, 154 saves, 3123 innings pitched, given up 2,745 hits, 1,217 runs with 1,122 earned, and 2,806 strikeouts to 887 walks. He went to seven All-Star games, has a NLCS MVP Award, a Cy Young Award, and Relief Pitcher of the Year Award.
Best season as a starter for Smoltz came in 1996 when he appeared in 35 games, had a record of 24-8, a 2.94 era, six complete games, two shutouts, 253.2 innings pitched, gave up 199 hits, 93 runs with 83 earned, and 276 strikeouts to 55 walks.
His best season as a closer was in 2002 when he appeared in 75 games, finished 68 of those games, had a 3-2 record, a 3.25 era, 801 innings, 55 saves, gave up 59 hits, 30 runs with 29 earned and striking out 85 to 24 walks.
What made Smoltz the number one player under Cox was his postseason success. He appeared in 41 games with 27 starts. He has a record of 14-4, a 2.65 era, 207 innings pitched, two complete games, one shutout, four saves, gave up 168 hits, 66 runs with 61 earned and 194 strikeouts to 67 walks.
Smoltz left the Braves after the 2008 season as a free agent and signed with the Boston Red Sox.
Under the direction of Cox he has had the opportunity to coach some very talented players. The list should bring back the memories of some great Atlanta players as well as teams.
Very well done and agree to most of order..But not sure if put Millwood that close to top and where is Fred McGriff who had great 4 years hitting and defense..
ReplyDeleteHow can you put Dale Murphy at 24. While, yes, the teams were bad, he was a two time MVP and you are ranking Blauser ahead of him? ridiculous. Plus, I would have to put Chipper ahead of Smoltz. Chipper is an everyday player and Smoltz not, plus remember, Smoltz when through a period when he did not perform well. Had to see a sports psychologist to get his head straight. That's when he started winning.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the majority of the list. However, I think Mark Lemke should have been included. He and Blauser made one of the best combinations at shortstop and second base for a lot of years. You could have included them as a team.
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