Atlanta Braves History: Bob Horner Has Four Homer Game

Bob Horner was known for bypassing the minors after he was drafted, and making his debut directly in the majors. On this day in 1986, he hit his way into the history books, as the Atlanta Braves first baseman had a four home run game.

Drafted with the first overall pick in the 1978 MLB Amateur Draft, Bob Horner made his debut with the Atlanta Braves later that year. Although he never played a single game in the minors, Horner proved he was ready, belting 23 homers in 89 games en route to winning the NL Rookie of the Year award.

Over time, Hroner became known for his power and his girth. The hefty corner infielder had weight clauses in his contract, where he would receive a bonus had he kept his weight below 215 pounds. Of course, that was a bit of a difficult task, and resulted in a great deal of derision from the amassed media when that detail was discovered.

However, his power was also evident. Horner had seven seasons with 20 or more homers in his first nine year, including three seasons with 30 or more home runs. Yet, for all that power, it was on this day in 1986 when Horner hit his way into the history books when he became the 11th player to hit four home runs in a single game.

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Heading into the Braves 11-8 loss to the Montreal Expos, Horner had been in a slump, having not hit a home run in his previous 12 games. However, he broke out in a big way, hitting three homers off of Expos starter Andy McGaffifan in five innings. After Tim Burke was able to get Horner to foul out to first, the burly first baseman launched his record tying homer in the ninth inning, taking Jeff Reardon deep.

This was the second time that a player had hit four home runs in a losing effort, as Ed Delahanty did so in 1896. It was also the third four home run game in Braves history, as Bobby Lowe and Joe Adcock both turned the trick.

Lowe’s was the first in major league history, and Horner’s performance made it where a four home run game was hit for each city the Braves called home. The Braves were also on the receiving end of Gil Hodges‘ own four home run game, as they have been prominently featured in one of the rarest feats in baseball history.

This would prove to be one of the final highlights for Horner in his career. A free agent during the 1986-87 offseason when teams colluded with one another to keep free agent costs down, he was unable to find an acceptable offer. As such, he headed to Japan, annihilating the Japan Central League. Horner returned stateside the following year, but struggled with injuries. He had only three homers in 60 games before being released, ending his career at just 30 years old.

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One of the better sluggers of his day, Bob Horner was a key part of the Atlanta Braves offense. On this day in 1986, the hefty first baseman became the 11th player, and third Brave, to hit four homers in a single game.