A ‘great ride’ ends for Bobby and his Braves, and we applaud
We'll never see his likes again. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
The great manager said it after Game 3: “We’re not the best team in baseball, OK?” But you know what these Braves were?
Pound for pound, they were the most entertaining aggregation we’ve seen around here. And you know what the great manager also called this band of Braves? “The hardest-working team I’ve ever had.”
It ended for both parties Monday, for Bobby Cox and his final ballclub. It ended because these diminished Braves weren’t good enough to deliver big hits or field their positions in the crucible of October. It ended not because they didn’t give it the ol’ professional try after the abject disappointment of Sunday’s Game 3. On the contrary, it ended because a true professional pitcher talked the departing manager into letting him go a batter too far.
Seventh inning, one out. Working with a one-run lead, Derek Lowe walked Aubrey Huff, then yielded a swinging-bunt single to Buster Posey. It was just the second hit the Giants had mustered, a point Lowe surely made to Cox when the manager paid a visit. Indeed, Lowe had begun lobbying when Cox was still on the infield grass. After a short dialogue, the manager patted his pitcher on the flank and let him stay.
And Lowe walked Pat Burrell on five pitches to load the bases.
That was it for Lowe, and that one final walk was enough to lose the game. Such was this team’s margin for error. Speaking of which …
Alex Gonzalez threw high to second on Juan Uribe’s RBI grounder, enabling the bases to stay loaded with the game tied. And then, after Jonny Venters struck out Aaron Rowand, the No. 8 hitter Cody Ross — considered a target of interest for the Braves back in July — drove the go-ahead single into left field.
Being the Braves, they tried to give us a finish, as Ernie Johnson Sr. would say. Rick Ankiel walked with one out in the ninth. Then Eric Hinske, who was very nearly the hero of Game 3, walked. The winning run was aboard. But Omar Infante struck out, and it was down to Melky Cabrera, which tells us something about this season and this roster. Cabrera grounded to Juan Uribe at third, and this fighting club was finally finished.
And then something wonderful happened. Even as the Giants were celebrating at the center of Turner Field, the crowd started chanting, “Bobby! Bobby!” And the great manager, his heart surely breaking, emerged from the dugout to tip his cap and acknowledge the cheers, and then you looked back at the happy Giants and you saw them …
Standing and applauding Bobby Cox.
Said Chipper Jones, who has seen many things: “That was classy.”
People on the outside don’t understand the reverence in which this manager was held in this game. His critics see him as the guy who only won one World Series, but there can be different levels of success — yes, even in professional sports. And Bobby Cox’s last act was his greatest.
He took a team that lost Chipper Jones, Martin Prado, Kris Medlen and Jair Jurrjens along the way and led the National League East for 99 improbable days. He squeezed 91 victories and a wild card out of one of the weakest rosters ever to grace a postseason diamond. And he made the Giants work like crazy to win three games by one skinny run apiece. If you don’t think that’s managing … well, I don’t know what to tell you.
But his team knew, and the winning team in this Division Series knew, too. These Braves weren’t the best team in baseball or even, in terms of aggregate talent, the 12th-best, but they got to October and they gave it a go, and they gave us 26 wins in the final at-bat along the way.
Afterward Cox addressed his final team, or he tried. Said Chipper: “There wasn’t a dry eye in the place. Out of all the teams he’s had, he’s got a soft spot for this club.”
And what did Cox actually say? “Maybe 10 words. He couldn’t get it out. He started to break down.”
Before the game, I was talking with Reid Johnson, a fan from Smyrna, and he called this whole season “a great ride.” And that’s what it was, from Jason Heyward’s Opening Day home run to the final out of Game 4. It was a great ride, a wild ride, a sentimental journey with the best manager we’ll ever see. That it ended Monday night changes nothing. It was, and will forever be, a season to remember and cherish.
Thanks, guys. Thanks, Bobby. Go in peace.
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785 comments Add your comment
Beef o'Braggart
October 11th, 2010
11:32 pm
Good Riddance, Mediocre Loser.
JJ
October 11th, 2010
11:32 pm
Thanks Bobby: I fell in love with the game of baseball because of you. You made a city believe and most of all you made a believer out of me for 20 years. You will be missed my friend.
LuisG - GoBraves2011
October 11th, 2010
11:33 pm
Bobby Cox, Billy Wagner and (probably) Takashi Saito: I’d like to say goodbye and thank for giving everything you had and doing everything they could for the team.
Melky Cabrera, Kyle Farnsworth: please go to Japan, Korea or Taiwan. Melky, they say the ball flies like crazy in Mexico. Go play summer ball there.
Chipper Jones, Martin Prado, Jair Jurrjens, Kris Medlen: please, come back strong.
Derrek Lee, Troy Glaus, Rick Ankiel, Alex Gonzalez: thanks for coming… let’s move on.
Eric Hinske: please, stay, we can do it in 2011!
This group of guys should be on our roster in 2011: Infante, Heyward, McCann, Freeman, Diaz, Ross, McLouth (winter ball needed), Conrad (yes, our Brooksie), Hanson, Lowe, Hudson, Beachy, Venters, Kimbrel, Dunn, Moylan, O’Flaherty, Minor (if his left arm is tired, can he throw from the right side?), Martinez, Kawakami (can he pitch some winter ball to get his problems fixed?).
Bob McHyman
October 11th, 2010
11:33 pm
“Bobby Cox briefly and shook his head”
I’d like to give him a Good Thrashing myself.
Tim from Buffalo
October 11th, 2010
11:33 pm
Thanks Bobby, you are truly one of a kind!
sara
October 11th, 2010
11:34 pm
tonite there’s crying in baseball
Alisha
October 11th, 2010
11:34 pm
Thank you Bobby! The only Braves manager I’ve ever know….we’ll miss you!
LakeDawg
October 11th, 2010
11:34 pm
Bobby was a mediocre manager in the post season. I’ll admit that he handled his teams well in the regular season. Mainly because he was handed talent through much of his career that other managers can only dream of and he got out of their way. But in the postseason, where teams are fairly even, Bobby got out managed over and over again. All this would be fine and I could appreciate Bobby for what he is except for the fact that he is a wife beater and a big Rush Limbaugh supporter. This series was a perfect example of Bobby’s managing ability. Even with the injuries, the Braves could have won this series. Not because of a great managing job by Bobby, but because the Giants aren’t very good. For sure Bobby was handed a problem with the late injuries to Prado and Wagner. A perfect chance for Bobby to show everyone his great managing skill. Alas, Bobby made the wrong decision on most every opportunity. Despite the injuries, the Braves should have won this series. But Bobby made sure they didn’t.
thickfreakness
October 11th, 2010
11:34 pm
Mark-
Great story, great manager and now it’s time for some setimental hygeine.
Mr Charlie
October 11th, 2010
11:35 pm
Mark, you also forgot to mention that we lost our closer. I think BW was the straw that broke the camels back.
sg10
October 11th, 2010
11:35 pm
I had written before the series that there were three keys for the Braves success.. 1. McCann hitting 2. Heyward hitting 3. Defense… only one out of three clicked. We needed at least 2 if not all 3 to click. McCann had super series…really stepped up and very happy for him.
Tron5000
October 11th, 2010
11:35 pm
I’m with you, Coach Smith. I’m 29 and Bobby Cox and Braves baseball have been a part of my life for 2/3 of it. They gave me a lot of great memories. I’ll miss him dearly.
Bobby Lover
October 11th, 2010
11:35 pm
Bobby Cox = Class Act
thickfreakness
October 11th, 2010
11:36 pm
sorry, that’s “Sentimental Hygeine” ala the late, great WZ.
Jason
October 11th, 2010
11:36 pm
I agree completely – This was an unbelievable season and a great way for Bobby to be sent out. He believed in his players so much you just hoped and hoped that they’d be able to fight their way back – when Brooks came up tonight you tried to imagine him coming through with a big blast – though you were pretty sure he wouldn’t. It would’ve been so great to have another moment like Ankiel in game 2. It’s just sad that we don’t have another day to enjoy watching their grit and determination as they try to scratch and claw their way to another win. I’m as proud of this Braves team as I’ve ever been.
doyle
October 11th, 2010
11:36 pm
what a ride this was the best year..thank bobby.i wouldnt have miss it,,this team had so much heart every nite they was out man.they made me pride to be a brave fan.
Bob McHyman
October 11th, 2010
11:36 pm
LakeDawg, Obama is a commie muslim, Clintoon is a serial sexual predator, Olbermann is a rabid moron, and Jon Stewart is a Jew. Go F yourself.
Let'sGoGiants
October 11th, 2010
11:36 pm
This Giants fan in San Francisco tips his hat to Bobby Cox. One of the all-time great managers.
Michael
October 11th, 2010
11:37 pm
Thanks Bobby for 51 years so far and hello Cooperstown in 5 years.
ThanksBobby6
October 11th, 2010
11:37 pm
Thanks Bobby! For all you did! You were the glue that held this team together through thick and thin! You will be forever remembered! And you are already missed! Hated to lose it for him at home like that. Just plain awful.
Mike10
October 11th, 2010
11:37 pm
I must say I always did not agree with some of Bobbys decisions,but he’s truly one of the best I wish him well.It’s going to be different not seeing number 6 in the dugout it’s going to take some getting use to.
Daniel
October 11th, 2010
11:38 pm
This is not the ending we wanted, but it has been a magical season and an even greater ride these past 20 years. You can at least say the Braves gave it everything they had, but just came up short again. It’s stinks getting kicked out of the playoff’s once again, but at least Cox’s last game was at Turner Field. Thanks for everything Bobby and enjoy your retirement. You have earned it. Until next year….
Loogy
October 11th, 2010
11:38 pm
we love you bobby.
reckingball
October 11th, 2010
11:39 pm
He managed a rag-tag team into the playoffs.
I hope he has a wonderful life.
MitchC
October 11th, 2010
11:39 pm
Mark, Bobby’s emotion when he was addressing the team isnt surprising. It’s a huge moment in baseball history.
When one thinks about it: If he plays in 2011, next year will be Chipper’s seventeenth full year in the majors, and the first time he’s played for someone other than Bobby.
Bobby has been the manager for six presidential adminstrations. (Yes, I know we’re not supposed to talk politics, but I’m just saying). When he took over, Bush 41 was in office. Bobby lasted more than half of his term, two terms of Clinton, two terms of Bush 43, and into Obama’s second year. That’s six presidential adminstrations.
He will have managed at least four future Hall of Famers for this team. (Smoltz, Maddux, Glavine, Chipper) not counting if Mccann, or someone else he managed makes it.
It is just unreal., Bobby is no longer the Braves manager. It wont hit me.. until.. maybe May of next season.
Braves WIN, Braves, WIN, Braves...NEVERMIND
October 11th, 2010
11:39 pm
A great ride normally wins with a finish, not getting thrown off the horse.
Mr Charlie
October 11th, 2010
11:40 pm
Lake, WTF does Cox being a rush fan have to do with this? Sure, we just lost our two best players, our closers, and a couple of starting pitchers. Thats all.
thickfreakness
October 11th, 2010
11:40 pm
Thank You Bobby for all the great memories, now let’s win a World Championship or three starting in 2011.
Stanley Crowe
October 11th, 2010
11:41 pm
The King is dead, long live the king . . . but King who? King Fredi Gonzalez? (Did I spell that right?)
His teams regularly gave ours fits, so it would be good to have the Braves giving more people fits next year. What changes need to be made? An outfielder with speed and some power AND consistency — although heaven knows, Ankiel gave us the thrill of the year. Good luck to him too! I saw somewhere that Carl Crawford is on the free agent market. And is it possible that the Phillies would part with Werth? And if we got him, could we have him comfortably playing something other than right field? Frank Wren — you need to be thinking about these issues NOW!
I really look forward to seeing a healthy Martin Prado and Chipper out there next year. And Infante could play left. Let’s get Freddie Freeman some ABs, and it would be something to see him and Jason start to really mature as hitters. Brian and David Ross are fine. Do we need a shortstop — I would keep Alex G. Like Jason, he’s a better hitter than the last month’s numbers suggest. I can’t wait for the madness to start again.
scottbravesfan
October 11th, 2010
11:41 pm
Thank you Bobby!!!!!
The good news? Only 169 days until opening day
Ginger
October 11th, 2010
11:41 pm
I remember the Braves and their losing seasons one after the other before Ted Turner hired
Bobby Cox away from the Yankees…He was the third base coach there. The Braves before Bobby routinely lost 90-100 games per year. The Braves would travel in a caravan around the state and sign autographs at malls etc to try and generate some interest. I got Dick Ruthven’s and Biff Pocoroba’s autographs…Does anyone remember thess players and the red,white, and blue uniforms. Bobby had a big part in making the Braves perennial winners and making sure the game was played right !
Common sense
October 11th, 2010
11:42 pm
I applaud the few people that aren’t saying, ” Bobby , you will be missed, greatest ever, thanks for the memories…”
Bobby Cox is Bobby Bowden. FSU got rid of Bowden, while not on his terms, they made the tough decision. The front office allowed medicority to continue another year.
Bobby Cox would have been gone from other teams in 2002 or 2003. But Cox is untouchable when analyzed.
He is a players manager and his style allowed one championship. He may be a good regular season manager, but he sucks in the playoffs. He has been overrated for years and I am glad the Bobby tour is over.
Bobby, it’s about time
Old School
October 11th, 2010
11:44 pm
One of your best columns, Mark. Classy, insightful, and very well written.
I’ve been fortunate to have been present at many memorable nights in Atlanta Braves baseball history, including the first Braves game ever back in 1965 in the brand new Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, an exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers, when a federal judge ordered the team to stay one more year in Milwaukee before moving to Atlanta.
I was also present at the first Atlanta Braves game ever in the ‘66 season opener, Hank’s #715 on a frigid early April night in 1974, “Sid’s Slide” in 1992, and the ‘95 World Series clinching win.
But one memory that I did not live in person was Bobby’s final game. And for that I am saddened, because he will be remembered as one of the greatest managers of all-time. For those of you Johnny-Come-Latelys who did not actually live thru the first quarter century of Atlanta Braves futility—with few exceptions like ‘69 and ‘83—then you really can’t appreciate what Bobby Cox did in 15 of the last 19 seasons.
Mark, you hit the nail on the head when you said: “People on the outside don’t understand the reverence in which this manager was held in this game.” Yes, people who really know the game, who have played it, and who have managed against Bobby Cox appreciate and greatly respect what he has meant to the game of baseball, not to mention to the City of Atlanta and the State of Georgia.
Five years from now Bobby Cox will be enshrined in Cooperstown. And I for one will be proud that his plaque will show him wearing the uniform of the Atlanta Braves.
SwampFox in South Ga.
October 11th, 2010
11:44 pm
With all the guys on the DL this team was like a guy with ED and no viagra. I’ve been a Braves fan since 1966 and Bobby will always be the face of the Atlanta Braves in my eyes. What a great ride it’s been. Thanks Bobby and the 2010 Braves!
thickfreakness
October 11th, 2010
11:44 pm
Ginger-
I remember watching Hank Aaron when I was a kid. Ruthven left because Ted kept hitting on his wife.
Mr Charlie
October 11th, 2010
11:44 pm
Common Sense, do you think the job he did with this team was “over rated”, or do you think that Jerry Manual would have taken this team to the playoffs?
Old School
October 11th, 2010
11:45 pm
One of your best columns, Mark. Classy, insightful, and well written.
I’ve been fortunate to have been present at many memorable nights in Atlanta Braves baseball history, including the first Braves game ever back in 1965 in the brand new Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, an exhibition game against the Detroit Tigers, when a federal judge ordered the team to stay one more year in Milwaukee before moving to Atlanta.
I was also present at the first Atlanta Braves game ever in the ‘66 season opener, Hank’s #715 on a frigid early April night in 1974, “Sid’s Slide” in 1992, and the ‘95 World Series clinching win.
But one memory that I did not live in person was Bobby’s final game. And for that I am saddened, because he will be remembered as one of the greatest managers of all-time. For those of you Johnny-Come-Latelys who did not actually live thru the first quarter century of Atlanta Braves futility—with few exceptions like ‘69 and ‘83—then you really can’t appreciate what Bobby Cox did in 15 of the last 19 seasons.
Mark, you hit the nail on the head when you said: “People on the outside don’t understand the reverence in which this manager was held in this game.” Yes, people who really know the game, who have played it, and who have managed against Bobby Cox appreciate and greatly respect what he has meant to the game of baseball, not to mention to the City of Atlanta and the State of Georgia.
Five years from now Bobby Cox will be enshrined in Cooperstown. And I for one will be proud that his plaque will show him wearing the uniform of the Atlanta Braves.
Michael
October 11th, 2010
11:45 pm
LakeDawg, last night was a perfect example of what a great manager Bobby was. He had Glaus announced to get Sanchez out of the game and that enabled him to get HInske to the plate for what appeared to be the great move of the game. Nobody wanted to see Conrad make that error. If Bobby inserted Diore Hernandez and that happened to him tehn folks would still be complaining. Coaching and managing is never 20/20 like hindsight is. Every manager would love to make decisions based on after the fact but that is not the way it is.
Mr Charlie
October 11th, 2010
11:45 pm
If Bobby was not the best in his generation, who was?
reckingball
October 11th, 2010
11:46 pm
Braves have the pitching, get some power, speed, and some defense.
bsa0092
October 11th, 2010
11:46 pm
Thank you Bobby Cox for bringing much more to ATL than just Braves wins. Baseball in ATL will not be the same…..ATL will not be the same…….
PMC
October 11th, 2010
11:46 pm
Really great Column Mark. Exactly.
reckingball
October 11th, 2010
11:46 pm
Joe Torre was pretty good.
Saint Richt
October 11th, 2010
11:47 pm
Finally gone…………….thank you Jegus!
WolfLarsen
October 11th, 2010
11:47 pm
Great series Braves. Bobby you have been a credit to the game and what you did with this team and all the injuries and adversity you faced and overcame is maybe your greatest coaching feat. Just a great series and a gutty team. I am a Giants fan so naturally I am elated but I also know how close they came to losing this series. The Giants over the last two years have actually matched up better against the Phillies than they have against the Braves. Lowe and Hudson have been two of the toughest pitchers the Giants have ever faced and this series was no different.
Thanks Bobby….great series Braves….
Mr Charlie
October 11th, 2010
11:47 pm
Torre? I wonder what Cox would have done with Rivera….Larussa? One of his WS titles is kind of tainted due to his roid-brothers. And wasn’t he in the dugout when Gibson hit the jack?
thickfreakness
October 11th, 2010
11:49 pm
bsa0092-
I agree completely.
col foot
October 11th, 2010
11:49 pm
braves out!! SWEET!
Will Hawkins
October 11th, 2010
11:49 pm
Bobby, I don’t know what the Braves will do without you. I hope the Braves can find someone to manage who will be half as good as you. That is what a wonderful manager I think you are…no one out there is half as good as you. I will miss you! I wish the season could have extended longer, but it was FABULOUS!! I have so many memories of this season as I do of every season I have watched the Braves to last me a lifetime. May God Bless You and your family and I hope to see you around frequently.
Sincerely,
Will Hawkins
reckingball
October 11th, 2010
11:49 pm
Wasn’t Torre the Yankee manager in 1996?