- Getty Images / By Jamie Squire
From Newsone.com:
By Michael Tapia
Last night was an extremely emotional one in the city of Atlanta, as the San Francisco Giants eliminated the undermanned Atlanta Braves to win the NLDS three games to one. But where the emotions really poured out was the Braves not seeing their long time skipper, Bobby Cox, standing on those dugout steps for another 162 game season.
After an illustrious 29-year career and 2,504 regular season managerial wins, Cox is calling it quits. Sitting at the podium after their 3-2 loss an emotional Cox said, “I’m proud of this team…They played their hearts out and I’ll miss them,” while holding back tears.
One of his longtime players, Chipper Jones, said he had never seen the skipper so emotional. Rookie sensation Jason Heyward also expressed his gratitude for the one season he spent under the guidance of Cox.
While there are so many statistics that positively reflect the career of Bobby Cox, one negative statistic actually brings to light the manager’s most revered quality – his passion.
During his career, Cox was ejected 158 times. He was so passionate about the game of baseball and what he believed in, that he would not hesitate to intercede on behalf of his players until he was ejected from the game he loved. Thanks to his passion and devotion to the Braves organization and the city of Atlanta – he won the hearts of the fans to the extent – that despite yesterday’s discouraging loss, fans chanted “Bobby, Bobby, Bobby” as the Giants celebrated their game 4 victory on the field. Moments later, the Giants also joined the fans to pay tribute to Cox. The Giants Freddy Sanchez explained why his team saluted Cox.
“He’s a legend in this sport. He’s been a great mentor to so many people in the sport,” Sanchez said. “We had to show our respect. First things first. Then we could go celebrate.”
Despite their disappointment in being eliminated, all four series games were decided by one run including the series closer.
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