Bob Horner, 68
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Bob Horner, 68

Bob Horner, one of the most recognizable names in Atlanta Braves history, died at age 68, the team announced Tuesday. No cause of death has been released.

Horner was one of baseball’s brightest stars after being selected No. 1 overall in the 1978 MLB Draft out of Arizona State University. He made history by skipping the minor leagues and debuting with the Atlanta Braves later that season.

He made an immediate impact, hitting 23 home runs in just 89 games, which helped him win the National League Rookie of the Year award in 1978. His power at the plate made him one of the most feared hitters in the early 1980s.