Chipper Jones calls Bobby Cox ‘a second father’ in emotional tribute after Hall of Fame manager’s death
The death of legendary Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox shook the baseball world this weekend, but no one sums up its impact better than longtime Braves star Chipper Jones.
Jones, who spent nearly his entire MLB career playing under Cox in Atlanta, paid an emotional tribute to X after learning of the Hall of Fame captain’s death at 84.
“I cannot remain silent in this time of loss,” Jones wrote. “I’m trying to convey what Bobby Cox meant to me and so many others in Braves Country.”
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Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones sit on the bench against the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas, on June 17, 2008. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA PRESS CHART)
Jones called Cox “a leader of men and a second father to many Atlanta Braves.” [through the years]”
The two were linked for nearly Jones’ entire baseball life. Cox selected Jones with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1990 MLB Draft and managed him from his debut in 1993 until the end of his managerial career in 2010. Under Cox’s management, the Braves became one of baseball’s defining dynasties; won 14 consecutive league championships, five National League pennants and the 1995 World Series.
Jones credited Cox not only with changing the Braves franchise, but also with shaping his entire career.
“He’s probably the number one reason I played for the Braves my entire career,” Jones said. “He gave me the opportunity to play baseball by drafting me.”
Even in the midst of grief, Jones found himself hearing Cox’s voice as he watched his sons play baseball on the day the legendary manager passed away.
“I can’t stop yelling the same things he did from the corner of the dugout,” Jones wrote. “‘Come on, kid. [you] I understand!'”
CHIPPER JONES RESPONSES TO BRIAN SNITKER’S ALLEGATION THAT HE HAD AGAINST LEGENDARY BRAVES MANAGER BOBBY COX
And in true baseball man fashion, Jones joked that Cox might still be pulling the strings from above.
“My boys won both games,” Jones added. “Bobby was involved, I have no doubt!”
But Jones wasn’t the only Braves legend to reflect Cox’s influence.
Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox congratulates pitcher Tom Glavine after the Braves beat the Toronto Blue Jays 3-1 in game one of the World Series in Atlanta on October 17, 1992. (Chris Wilkins/AFP)
Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine remembered Cox’s unmatched passion and loyalty to his players.
“From the moment he came down to the bench with his spikes in full uniform and ready to start, he had a passion to win the game and fight to get every inch of advantage he could for his players,” Glavine said.
John Smoltz credited Cox with completely changing the course of his career.
“He gave you confidence when you weren’t yourself,” Smoltz said. “I’m not a Hall of Famer without him.”
Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox high-fives his teammates before a game against the New York Mets at Turner Field on April 8, 2005 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Braves star Andruw Jones echoed Chipper’s sentiments That Cox has become an additional father figure to many players.
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“Bobby meant everything to me in my baseball career,” Andruw Jones said. “I’ve said this before, he was like my second father.”
This theme continues to resurface again and again following Cox’s death. It not only shows respect for one of baseball’s greatest managers, but also genuine affection for the man who helped make the Braves a powerhouse and treated generations of players like family.
