#4 BOB HORNER

FAVORITE BRAVES PLAYERS OF THE 1980'S

#4 BOB HORNER

ATLANTA BRAVES 1978-1986

1983

I really didn't know where to rate Horner on this list. #4 may be a little high, but at the start of the decade, he would have been my favorite to be at the top of the list at the end of the decade.

Horner continued the 80's much like he did in the late 70's with a 35 homer year in 1980.  He slacked off to 15 home runs in 1981, but in that strike shortened season, it seemed like everyone had an off year. He was a big part of the Braves division winning 1982 season, hitting 32 home runs. But then problems with injuries really started to come around. He played in only 104 games in 1983 and missed almost all of the 1984 season. He did have 27 homer seasons in 1985 and 1986, but went to play in Japan the season after that.

Always a streaky hitter, Bob's most memorable game from the 80's was his four home run game against the Expos on July 6, 1986. It was not a sign of things to come and Bob's major league career was for the most part all over at the end of that season.

Bob batting during his 4-homer game in 1986

I never really knew what to make of this
1980 Braves Illustrated cover.
Is Bobby Cox supposed to be the
Wicked Witch and Bob Horner
supposed to be Dorothy?