Blue Jays former manager hospitalized after possible stroke

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 08: Former manager of the Atlanta Braves, Bobby Cox, throws out the ceremonial first pitch to start Game Four of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on October 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 08: Former manager of the Atlanta Braves, Bobby Cox, throws out the ceremonial first pitch to start Game Four of the National League Division Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field on October 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Former Toronto Blue Jays manager Bobby Cox is recovering in an Atlanta area hospital after reportedly suffering a stroke.

Bobby Cox spent four seasons at the Blue Jays helm between 1982-85, winning a division title in 1985.  The 77-year old Hall of Famer also spent 25 years as the Atlanta Braves skipper during two different stints sandwiched between his Toronto tenure. Cox managed the Braves during their golden era of the ’90s including the 1992 Word Series defeat at the hands of the Blue Jays.

Cox was present for the Braves opening day festivities, however, suffered a stroke this past Tuesday. Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos provided an update that Bobby was in as good spirits as he could be and reiterated that Cox is as tough as they come and has many folks pulling for him.

The Cox family issued a formal statement via the Associated Press thanking everyone for their support and prayers during this tough time.

"“We want to thank all of you who have sent their well wishes or said a prayer. We know the power of Braves Country and we hope those prayers and positive thoughts continue as Bobby heals. You don’t know how much your support means to Bobby and to our family.”"

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Cox played two seasons in the majors with the New York Yankees in 1968-69 hitting .225/.310/.309 with nine home runs in 220 career games. He would begin managing with Atlanta in 1978, a managing career that would span until 2010.

The skipper managed 4508 games with a 2504-2001 won-loss record during his career. Cox was inducted into Cooperstown in 2014 by the Veterans Committee alongside his former pitching aces Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine.

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With any luck, Bobby will be back at the diamond in no time, we want to wish a speedy recovery to the former skipper while thoughts and prayers are extended to the entire Cox family.