I stopped over in Atlanta Sunday evening to join the festivities honoring the great, longtime Braves manager Bobby Cox. After more than 50 years in baseball as a player, coach, manager and general manager, Bobby announced his retirement at the end of the 2010 season, capping off a legendary career.

The Big Biscuit Band took the stage at the Brookfield Country Club while family members and friends celebrated Bobby’s legacy. Bobby had unprecedented success with the Braves, leading them to 14 straight division titles, five National League championships and a World Series championship in 1995.

Bobby and I made our Atlanta debuts in 1978 when I was hired as an assistant coach for the Hawks and Bobby was named manager of the Braves. Over the years we became friends and shared a deep appreciation for the Atlanta community that embraced us. Representing our wonderful city in the world of sports was a tremendous source of pride for us both. I always followed Bobby’s career and rooted for his success.