Atlanta Braves Pay Tribute To Former Manager Bobby Cox With Statue and Starting The Chop
By Jeff Schafer
Braves Hall of Fame Manager, Bobby Cox, Will Forever Be At SunTrust Park
Atlanta Braves revealed their brand new statue at SunTrust Park on Thursday afternoon and it’s of Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox. As the fans walk up to the brand new SunTrust Park tomorrow night (Friday), they’ll be greeted by this statue at the first-base gate.
The Cox statue took about a year to produce and was made by sculptor Brian Hanlon. He also built the new statue of Hark Aaron at SunTrust.
The ol’ skipper led the Braves from 1976-81 and then from 1990-2010 — 25 seasons. Cox managed the Braves to 14 straight consecutive divisional championships, 2,149 wins and the 1995 World Series championship.
In 2014, Cox was inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame.
Cox told reporters on Thursday “It looks absolutely like me … even the belly. It’s unbelievable. I’m so grateful to the organization and all the players we’ve had throughout the years. It’s been a wonderful ride. This will be here forever. I won’t, but this will. Having a statue made of you at the ballpark is really special. It’s really a humbling experience.”
Hall of Famer Bobby Cox and his new statue at @SunTrustPark! pic.twitter.com/zIsc8P6HFD
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 13, 2017
Former #Braves @baseballhall of Famer Bobby Cox next to his new statue at @SunTrustPark. It will be unveiled shortly. pic.twitter.com/54pkvHxlLo
— Anthony Amey (@AnthonyAmey) April 13, 2017
Former #Braves @baseballhall manager Bobby Cox watches as his new statue is unveiled at SunTrust Park. Sculpted by Brian Hanlon. pic.twitter.com/k4RfloBukz
— Anthony Amey (@AnthonyAmey) April 13, 2017
Former #Braves Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox with the sculptor of his magnificent new statue, Brian Hanlon. pic.twitter.com/iNzQdTomhw
— Anthony Amey (@AnthonyAmey) April 13, 2017
More photos from the statue dedication for #Braves great Bobby Cox, the HOF skipper. pic.twitter.com/JWsdO1F3w4
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) April 13, 2017
Hall of Famer Bobby Cox was on hand today at @SunTrustPark to watch as his new statue was unveiled! pic.twitter.com/DHGTz7ojXd
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 14, 2017
Personally, I think they nailed this statue. When I think of Bobby Cox, him standing on the top step looking out to the field is exactly in my mind.
The one wide photo of the statue, Bobby’s bottom half looks a lot smaller than his top half. It may just be a weird photo. Folks attending tomorrow’s event will have to clear this up for us. Hopefully, we don’t have a Cristiano Ronaldo incident on our hands — I don’t think in any way we do.
More Bobby Love From The Braves
Bobby will be at the first ever game at SunTrust Park Friday night, along with everyone else it seems — every seat and even standing room tickets are sold out.
The 75-year-old will start the chop from the Chop House prior to Atlanta batting in the bottom of the 1st inning. The Chop House is in right field of SunTrust.
Also in attendance tomorrow night will be former great Hammering Hank Aaron. The Hall of Famer will throw out the first pitch Friday night.
Bobby Cox will start the chop from the Chop House before the #Braves come to bat in the 1st inning of their home opener Friday
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) April 14, 2017
ATL icon Hank Aaron, the greatest of #Braves, will throw the ceremonial first pitch at Friday's home opener at new SunTrust Park.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) April 14, 2017
Atlanta takes on the San Diego Padres with the first pitch scheduled for 7:35pm ET. Julio Teheran will be on the mound for the Braves and Jhoulys Chacin will pitch for the Padres.
Yes, that’s former Braves pitcher — not very long — Chacin. He also joins former Braves Erick Aybar, Christian Bethancourt and Ryan Buchter on a pretty bad Padres team.
Next: Is Howard the ONLY Bench Option Out There?
Hopefully, the Braves can sweep this team….that’s surprisingly 5-5. They took two of three from the Rockies and the Giants in their last two series.