Bobby Cox tributes: Former Braves players say he was a ‘second father’ to them

Former Atlanta Braves players are sharing their favorite stories and memories of Bobby Cox.

Cox died on Saturday at the age of 84at his home in metro Atlanta.

Tributes have been posted all across social media from fans, MLB legends and former Atlanta Braves players and coaches who Cox worked alongside for years.

Here are the statements posted so far. This will be updated with more tributes as they come in.

Andruw Jones, Braves legendary centerfielder and future Baseball Hall of Fame inductee

“RIP my second Father 🙏🏾"

RIP my second Father 🙏🏾 https://t.co/nPl75TlIPL— Andruw Jones (@andruwjones25) May 9, 2026

Hall of Famer John Smoltz, via MLB Network

“There’s no chance I get inducted into the @baseballhall without Bobby Cox... he embodied what it is to lead men."

"There's no chance I get inducted into the @baseballhall without Bobby Cox... he embodied what it is to lead men."@Braves icon John Smoltz reflects on the legacy of his longtime manager Bobby Cox. pic.twitter.com/CoNTgkpUGB— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) May 9, 2026

Eddie Perez, 1995 World Series champion and current Braves coach

“I am saddened to hear the passing of Bobby Cox. Bobby was very influential in my career both as a player and as a coach but perhaps the most important influence he had on me was as being like a 2nd father to me. Coming to this country at a young age and feeling lost at times became easier when you had people like Bobby in your corner to be your support and always push you to be better. Bobby, you will be missed but I will never forget the impact you had on me, my career, my family, and this organization. ❤️"

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Brad Clontz, 1995 World Series champion

“Sad day, this man meant the world to us. The greatest manager we could ever have asked to play for. RIP Bobby , thanks for all you did for my career. Trusted me in any pressure situation especially with bases loaded. Will cherish those memories forever.”

Sad day, this man meant the world to us. The greatest manager we could ever have asked to play for. RIP Bobby , thanks for all you did for my career. Trusted me in any pressure situation especially with bases loaded. Will cherish those memories forever. https://t.co/bCg5hHDVeY— Brad Clontz (@braves52) May 9, 2026

CJ Nitkowski, former Braves pitcher and current analyst

https://t.co/SM6o8VNgXw— CJ (@CJNitkowski) May 9, 2026

Jason Heyward, former Braves player

“Mr. Bobby Cox. My original skipper ❤️ Thank you for everything you’ve done for the game of baseball. Thank you for what you’ve done for the many of people you’ve come across in this life. My condolences to the family 🙏🏾"

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Former Brave Freddy Freeman

“He lived a great life; everyone loved him in baseball... we’re gonna miss him immensely.”

"He lived a great life; everyone loved him in baseball... we're gonna miss him immensely."

Freddie Freeman speaks on the passing of Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox before tonight's game against Atlanta. #Dodgerspic.twitter.com/eziK0IXvnE— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) May 10, 2026

Braves manager Walt Weiss

“I remember ’99 when we lost the World Series to the Yankees. I mean, to a man, everybody in the room felt like we let Bobby down. That’s how we felt. And that’s powerful, you know, and that doesn’t just happen in professional sports. But that just goes to show how guys felt about Bobby. We, to a man, we felt like we let him down.”

Former Brave Ozzie Guillen, who went on to manage the White Sox to a World Series

“Skip — thank you for helping shape me as a coach and as an MLB manager. Your guidance and belief in me will always mean a lot. Thank you for the time You took in helping me make my transition from player to coach. And I ended up loving cigars after all (smiley face emoji). Much respect always.”

Skip - thank you for helping shape me as a coach and as an MLB manager. Your guidance and belief in me will always mean a lot. Thank you for the time You took in helping me make my transition from player to coach. And I ended up loving cigars after all 😀. Much respect always. pic.twitter.com/jyENhomffg— Ozzie Guillen (@OzzieGuillen) May 9, 2026

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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