Former Braves star Bob Horner dies at 68

Bob Horner, a former National League Rookie of the Year and Atlanta Braves star known for his prodigious power, has died at age 68. The Braves announced his death on Tuesday, May 26.

Horner’s career was defined by a series of pioneering achievements. The Braves noted in a statement that he built a career out of being first. He was the first overall pick in the 1978 draft following a legendary collegiate career at Arizona State University, where he set a then-NCAA record with 58 career home runs and helped lead the Sun Devils to a national championship in 1977. He was the first Braves draftee to bypass the minor leagues entirely, making his major league debut directly from college. In his first game on June 16, 1978, the 20-year-old homered off Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven. He went on to hit 23 home runs in 89 games that season, earning National League Rookie of the Year honors over Ozzie Smith.

Horner spent nine of his ten major league seasons with the Braves, primarily as a third baseman. He formed one of the most feared power-hitting duos in baseball alongside outfielder Dale Murphy throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. Horner was named an All-Star in 1982, a season in...