Bob Horner, the power-hitting third baseman who was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1978 and hit a home run in his debut with the Atlanta Braves after skipping the minor leagues, has died. He was 68.
Horner won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1978 after being selected first overall by Atlanta out of Arizona State. He went directly to the majors, a rarity even in that era, and homered in his first game.
Horner became famous for hitting four home runs in a single game on July 6, 1986, against the Montreal Expos, a feat accomplished by only 18 players in Major League Baseball history. Remarkably, the Braves lost that game 11-8.
Injuries limited Horner throughout his career, but when healthy he was one of the most feared power hitters in the National League. He made the All-Star team in 1982 when the Braves won the NL West division title.
Horner spent most of his career with Atlanta before a stint in Japan and a brief return to the St. Louis Cardinals. He finished with 218 career home runs despite the injury-shortened seasons.
The Braves organization released a statement mourning the loss of one of the franchise's most talented players from the 1980s era. Former teammates and fans shared memories of Horner's powerful swing and competitive spirit.