Braves Skipper Bobby Cox Calls It Quits After 2010 Season

Sports Betting News - September 24th, 2009 - Written by Scott

One of the most prestigious managers in Major League Baseball has announced that he will stay in the game for just one more year.  Atlanta Braves skipper Bobby Cox has signed a one year contract with the team and will end his managing career at the end of the 2010 season.  The Braves made the announcement before Wednesday night's game with the New York Mets.  The 68-year-old manager is stepping down after 50 years in baseball.  Braves general manager Frank Wren has said that he will not begin to seek his replacement until next season and that Cox will assist him in searching for his successor.

"They asked me to come back, and I said I would do it for one more year, and we'll announce the retirement along with it. It's the only way I think I'm ever going to walk away from the game, is to go ahead and say I'm going to, and then I've got to," Cox said. "There's no turning back now -- win, lose or draw. Whatever happens next year is going to be it."

Cox guided the Braves to the World Series title in 1995 and has led the team to 14 consecutive post season appearances from 1991-2005.  Cox managed the Braves from 1978-1981 and then went to the Toronto Blue Jays until 1985.  He then returned to the Braves in 1990 and has been with the team since.  Cox has consulted with many people regarding his decision, but it all came down to his wife, Pam, as his main consultant.  Braves president John Schuerholtz said at a news conference at Turner Field in Atlanta that Cox still has the ability to guide the Braves team, but understands his decision.

"We know we're growing older. I know Bobby feels like he's still capable. His mind is as good today as it will be five years from now. But there's a demand of pressure and energy on his job. We all come to that point," said Schuerholz.

Cox has 2,409 career wins as a manager in Major League Baseball.  After the 2010 season, he will begin a five year consulting agreement to advise the team in baseball operations.  The Braves were in their series with Philadelphia when the agreement was reached, but Cox wanted to wait on making the announcement until the Braves returned home to keep the team's focus on their series with the Phillies.  The four-time manager of the year has spent 20 consecutive seasons with the Braves dating back to 1990 and is one of only five managers to stay with the same team for this length of time.  One of Cox's players is hesitant on the decision made by the Braves long time manager though.

"I'll believe it when I see it," Braves third baseman Chipper Jones said.

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