The Atlanta Braves have been fortunate to have one of the best stretches of winning in baseball history. Most of that is thanks to the impressive job Hall of Famer Bobby Cox did managing things during his tenure.
He was well-known for arguing with managers and backing his players. However, when you manage for long enough, you're going to encounter some tough times. While Atlanta won a lot of division titles under Cox, it wasn't always easy and on this day back in 2004, his shepherding of the Braves got some well-deserved recognition.
Braves History: Bobby Cox named NL Manager of the Year after leading Atlanta to a 13th-straight division title
2004 was one of those tough but rewarding seasons in Atlanta. This was the season the team lost Greg Maddux, Gary Sheffield, Javy Lopez, and Vinny Castilla to free agency. Those were some very valuable players to lose.
However, Atlanta built a great roster with a core of Johnny Estrada, Chipper Jones, J.D. Drew, Marcus Giles, Rafael Furcal, Adam LaRoche, and Andruw Jones. Pitching still had some great arms as well, including John Smoltz, Mike Hampton, Paul Byrd, Russ Ortiz, John Thomson, and Jaret Wright.
June 1, 2004 | Expos at Braves
— Braves on TBS (@BravesOnWTBS) June 1, 2025
“Braves win! What a finish! Nick Green, a three-run homer to tie it. One pitch later, J.D. Drew wins it with his 11th homer of the year!” - Pete Van Wieren pic.twitter.com/VHN2o0Ug9j
Cox helped lead the Braves to a 96-66 record and their unprecedented 13th-straight division title. This impressive feat earned him the National League Manager of the Year award on November 10, 2004. He beat out legendary manager Tony La Russa for the honors that season.
Atlanta, unfortunately, lost to the Astros in the NLDS, but it was still a very good season. Cox went on to win the award again in 2005 after Atlanta clinched 14 consecutive division titles. He was the first MLB manager to win the award in back-to-back seasons.
He won this award four times during his illustrious career. Three of the awards came with the Braves, and one came during his time with the Blue Jays. Cox is tied with Tony La Russa and Buck Showalter for the most Manager of the Year wins in MLB history.