Bob Horner and I were destined to be teammates somewhere. I signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Arizona State before I was drafted. Bob played at ASU and ended up in Atlanta my first full year in the major leagues—1978. One way or another, it was bound to happen.
From the minute Bob Horner joined the Braves, all us players could see he was good. I mean… really good. And that swing—short and quick, x or and could turn around anybody’s fast ball. And Bob knew the strike zone. He just did not swing at a bad pitch (like I had a tendency to do a little too often…) He was a unique talent and I was very lucky to be in the lineup with him most of my career. All of my numbers were better when he was hitting behind me. And that fact is not lost on me. I know my career was better because of him.
It’s been a hard few weeks for the Braves Family losing Ted and Bobby—and now Bob. These 3 men all had such a profound impact on my career. I am forever grateful.
Nancy and I will miss Bob and our hearts go out to Chris and Trent and Tyler, along with their entire family.
The older we get, the more we cherish wonderful memories and this past month has brought a flood of them back to us. The gratitude we feel for them all has been overwhelming.
Rest well, my friend and teammate.
Here’s an awesome video of a bunch of kids from New York City sharing their thoughts on the New York Yankees releasing The Great Bambino, Babe Ruth.
Crazy to think these lads are like 8-12 years old and they probably could kick my ass without breaking a sweat. The year is 1935x.
Wishing Jim Rice a very Happy Birthday. The man was a great teammate and continues to be a great friend. This friendship never grows old. @RedSox@NESN#GoldDustTwins
There are moments in life when words just aren’t enough. Losing Coach Holtz is one of those moments.
Coach was so much more than a football coach to me. He was family. I still remember the day he came to my house to recruit me. He didn’t just sit down and talk to me about football or what I could do on the field. He talked to me as a young man. And he spoke to my mom the way a man should speak to a mother who was trusting someone with her son. He looked her in the eye and promised that I would be taken care of at Notre Dame. That moment meant everything to us, and it’s something I’ve carried with me my entire life.
Coach Holtz believed in people. He believed in building men, not just players. He welcomed my entire family into the Notre Dame family and always made sure we felt that love and support. That’s who he was. He cared deeply about the people around him, and he made every one of us feel like we mattered.
The lessons he taught me went far beyond football. His faith, his discipline, his belief in doing things the right way shaped who I became as a man, a father, and a leader.
My heart is broken today, but I’m also filled with gratitude for the time I had with him and for the impact he had on my life. Coach will always be with us—in the lessons he taught, in the lives he changed, and in the love he gave so freely.
Thank you for everything, Coach. I love you.
You will forever be in our hearts.
Go Irish ☘️
@jerrythornton Jerry - today of all days for you, it was incredible to meet you. Thank you for taking a minute to make memories for my first Pats game in Foxboro!
Dearest mother —
I write with riveting news. I have once again — after what felt like an eternity — utilized my sidearm and tactical abilities. I know I swore to stow my sidearm after I retired — but, I am training new soldiers for battle. And it was only proper to unholster my blunderbuss to inspire and guide. My tenacity abounds.
— Andrew