Bob Horner
From BR Bullpen
James Robert Horner
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 1", Weight 210 lb.
- School Arizona State University
- Debut June 16, 1978
- Final Game June 18, 1988
- Born August 6, 1957 in Junction City, KS USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Bob Horner played college baseball at Arizona State University and was drafted by the Atlanta Braves with the first pick in the 1978 amateur draft. He bypassed the minor leagues and went straight to the Braves. Despite only playing in 89 games, he hit 23 homers and was named National League Rookie of the Year. Over the next eight seasons, he averaged 24 home runs a year and was named to the All-Star team in 1982.
He signed a four year, $6 million contract in 1984 that included a clause that would pay him $100,000 a year if he kept his weight under 215 pounds. In 1986, he hit four home runs in one game in a loss to the Montreal Expos. Following the season, he became a free agent. Finding no acceptable offers in the United States because of collusion, Horner opted to spend the 1987 season playing in Japan instead. He hit .327 with 31 homers for the Yakult Swallows. He returned to the U.S. in 1988, signing with the St. Louis Cardinals. However, he struggled with injuries and only played in 60 games and hit 3 home runs. The Cardinals released him after the season. Bob Horner ended his career never having played a single game in the minor leagues.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 1978 NL Rookie of the Year Award
- 1978 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
- NL All-Star (1982)
- 20-Home Run Seasons: 7 (1978-1980, 1982, 1983, 1985 & 1986)
- 30-Home Run Seasons: 3 (1979, 1980 & 1982)
| NL Rookie of the Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | 1978 | 1979 |
| Andre Dawson | Bob Horner | Rick Sutcliffe |
