Former MLB Player Bob Horner Dies at Age 68

Bob Horner, a former Major League Baseball player, died at age 68, the Atlanta Braves announced Tuesday. Horner spent nine seasons with the Braves after being selected first overall in the 1978 draft. He made his major-league debut without playing in the minor leagues and hit four home runs in a single game against the Montreal Expos in 1986.

Horner was named National League Rookie of the Year in 1978 after hitting 23 home runs and driving in 63 runs. He appeared in the 1982 All-Star Game and recorded 30 or more home runs in three seasons. He finished his career with 218 home runs in 1,020 games, including one season with the St. Louis Cardinals.

State, Horner hit 58 home runs, an NCAA record at the time. He earned All-WAC honors in each of his three seasons and helped the team win the 1977 College World Series, where he was named Most Outstanding Player. Horner received the first Golden Spikes Award in 1978 and was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006 as part of its inaugural class.

The Braves statement extended sympathies to his wife, Chris, sons Tyler and Trent, and friends and fans.