House That Hank Built
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Atlanta Braves Leaving Fulton County: Homerin’ Horner

By Dan Horton

Sep 17, 2014; Toledo, OH, USA; General view of an obstacle made out of baseball bats as the Fifth Third Field outfield is transformed into a mini-golf course. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2014; Toledo, OH, USA; General view of an obstacle made out of baseball bats as the Fifth Third Field outfield is transformed into a mini-golf course. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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1986, Atlanta Fulton County Stadium: Bob Horner Blasts 4 Homers

Last week, we began what will look to promise some great Atlanta Braves memories many of us have of the old Fulton County Stadium and Turner Field.

Otis Nixon‘s insane catch in 1992, robbing Andy Van Slyke of a sure home run, kicked off our time traveling journey.

This time, though, we travel back even farther to 1986. July 6th to be exact, 2 days before my 7th birthday. The opponents that day were the Montreal Expos. The man in the box: Bob Horner.

Horner, the product of Arizona State University and born in Junction City, KS, was drafted #1 overall by the Braves in the 1978 amateur draft. Horner made his debut on June 16th, 1978. Yes, Horner made his debut in the same year he was drafted.

Unlike today, Bob Horner never played in the minors. To add even more perspective, the day he was drafted by the Braves was 10 days prior to his debut. So that in itself was very impressive.

On this day, two years before his retirement, Horner became only the 11th player to hit four home runs in a game.

Bob Horner won the 1978 National League Rookie of the Year, despite making his debut in June. He spent time with the Braves, Cardinals, and even did some time in Japan.

Next: Coppy on the Rebuild: Reading Between the Lines

Horner was a corner infielder with substantial power served as a nice compliment to Dale Murphy in an otherwise dismal time in Atlanta. He retired at the age of 30 on June 18th, 1988, 10 years after making his debut.

Join us again next time, where we’ll stay with the long ball theme. This guy, though, I have a feeling you might be a little bit more familiar with, he hit home runs, too. (wink, wink — nudge, nudge).

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