Bobby Cox among record number of alumni celebrating 30th anniversary of Braves’ 1995 championship at Truist Park

Cox received a lengthy standing ovation when introduced alongside his family on the Truist Park videoboard. Cox, 84, has barely visited the ballpark since suffering a stroke in April 2019. Friday marked his fourth visit in that time. He’d most recently come to Truist Park last July, when he also received a standing ovation.

A four-time manager of the year, Cox managed the Braves from 1978-81 and 1990-2010, the latter stint producing the greatest run in franchise history that included 14 consecutive division titles and the 1995 title. Cox is fourth all-time with 2,504 wins. He’s also No. 1 in ejections (162), possessing an excellent reputation for always caring about his players. Cox was one of the most beloved managers in history and undisputedly the best among Braves managers.

“(Cox) was so excited,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker, a mentee of Cox who oversaw the Braves’ latest championship in 2021. “I came out and met him when he came. I talked with (Cox’s wife) Pam and she said he woke up at 6 o’clock this morning and couldn’t wait to get going. That was awesome. I’m sure all the guys loved it, the fans. He was really excited, as we were to see him.”

Snitker shared one nugget: Cox was trying to tell him something before he got in the convertible for the parade. Snitker finally figured out that Cox was wanting to talk about upstart Braves starter Hurston Waldrep, whom Cox had recently watched.

Friday’s celebration also featured another reunion for the Big Three starters of Greg Maddux, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine. The trio won seven Cy Young awards in the 1990s, and Glavine was the 1995 World Series MVP. The first 15,000 fans through the gates Friday received a Maddux, Smoltz or Glavine replica World Series ring.

The trio threw out the ceremonial first pitches at the conclusion of an on-field celebration. Braves starter Hurston Waldrep caught Smoltz’s pitch, while catcher Sean Murphy received Maddux’s, and Spencer Schwellenbach caught Glavine’s.

The 1995 World Series was the crowning achievement amid one of the greatest runs in American sports history. The Braves defeated the Cleveland Indians in six games to secure Atlanta’s first-ever professional sports title.

The ’95 team featured seven Hall of Famers: Chipper Jones, Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux, Fred McGriff, Cox and executive John Schuerholz. All Hall of Famers were present for this celebration.

The entire list of alumni who attended Friday, as provided by the team:

Steve Avery, Rafael Belliard, Pedro Borbon, Brad Clontz, Mike Devereaux, Frank Fultz, Jim Guadagno, Tom Glavine, Marquis Grissom, John Holland, Chipper Jones, Clarence Jones, David Justice, Ryan Klesko, Brian Kowitz, Mark Lemke, Javy Lopez, Greg Maddux, Darrell May, Leo Mazzone, Fred McGriff, Greg McMichael, Kent Mercker, Mike Mordecai, Alejandro Pena, Eddie Perez, Jeff Porter, Luis Polonia, John Schuerholz, John Smoltz, Mike Stanton, Fred Stone, Tom Thobe, Mark Wohlers, Brad Woodall, Ned Yost.