Braves fall short in Bobby Cox’s farewell
It wasn’t the fairytale ending the Atlanta Braves were hoping for. Losing 3-2 to San Francisco Giants on Monday night, the Braves were eliminated from the play-offs, ending Bobby Cox’s 29-year managerial career.
The 69-year-old saw his team lose for the final time bringing an end to one of the most-storied careers in baseball.
Cody Ross hit a solo home run in the sixth inning – breaking up Derek Lowe’s no-hit bid – and delivered the go-ahead run with a two-out single in the seventh to give the Giants their first play-off series win for eight years.
But Monday night was about Bobby, even the Giants stopped their celebrations to applaud the man who gave his life to baseball.
“That was nice, a nice gesture by the Giants. I love [manager Bruce] Bochy. He's one of the best guys in baseball. If we couldn't win, I'm glad he did,” Cox said in his post-match press conference.
With the Giants celebrating the Atlanta fans started cheering "Bobby! Bobby! Bobby!" Bobby came to the top of the dugout to tip his hat one last time for the Braves fans. And even though his team lost, Cox, as always, paid tribute to his team.
"I'm proud of this team, I told them that a long time ago. They played their hearts out and I'll miss them. It doesn't feel like the last time I'm putting it on, but it certainly is. I won't put it on again,” Cox said.
In his 29-year career as a manager Cox had 2,504 regular-season wins, tying for fourth all-time. He also had the most ejections of any manager with 158.
He led the Braves to a record 14 straight division titles, five National League titles and won the World Series in 1995 – his only as a manager.
"He's the best manager for me that's ever managed the game. I got a chance to play against him for five years. I love coming in here seeing him. I want to congratulate the Braves on a fine season and him on a great career,” Cody Ross, the man who ended Cox’s career, said.
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