The baseball world is mourning the death of former Atlanta Braves star Bob Horner, who passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the age of 68. The Braves confirmed his death in a public statement honoring the legendary slugger’s impact on the franchise and the sport of baseball.
Born on August 6, 1957, in Junction City, Kansas, Horner became one of the most recognizable power hitters of the late 1970s and 1980s. He starred at Arizona State University before being selected first overall by the Braves in the 1978 MLB Draft. Remarkably, Horner skipped the minor leagues entirely and made his Major League debut just 10 days after being drafted.
Horner immediately made history by homering in his MLB debut and later winning the 1978 National League Rookie of the Year Award after blasting 23 home runs in only 89 games.
During his nine seasons with Atlanta, Horner became known for his tremendous power and fearless style of play. One of the defining moments of his career came on July 6, 1986, when he hit four home runs in a single game against the Montreal Expos at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium — a rare accomplishment achieved by only a handful of players in MLB history.
The Braves organization described Horner as a franchise trailblazer and one of the most beloved stars of his era. Alongside Dale Murphy and Phil Niekro, Horner helped define Braves baseball during the early years of national broadcasts on WTBS, bringing the team into homes across America.
After leaving Atlanta following the 1986 season, Horner spent one year playing professionally in Japan for the Yakult Swallows before returning briefly to Major League Baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals. Injuries ultimately shortened what many believed could have been an even greater career.
Across 10 Major League seasons, Horner compiled a .277 batting average with 218 home runs and 685 RBIs. He earned an All-Star selection in 1982 and was later inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 2006.
Tributes from fans, former teammates, and baseball organizations have continued pouring in since news of his death broke Tuesday afternoon. Many remembered Horner not only for his legendary power at the plate but also for the lasting legacy he left on Braves history and professional baseball overall.
