Former Braves Player Bob Horner Dies at Age 68

The Atlanta Braves announced Tuesday that former player Bob Horner has died at age 68. Horner, selected first overall in the 1978 draft, played ten seasons in the major leagues after skipping the minor leagues entirely.

Horner hit 23 home runs in 89 games during his rookie season and was named the National League Rookie of the Year. In 1986, Horner became the 11th player in MLB history at the time to hit four home runs in a single game.

After becoming a free agent following the 1986 season, Horner played one season in Japan before returning to play for another major league team in 1988. He retired before the 1989 season at age 31, citing injuries. The Atlanta Braves statement noted that Horner was the first overall pick in the 1978 draft, the first Braves draftee to debut directly in the majors, and the first Atlanta player to hit four home runs in a single game.