Starkville | The Life, Times, and Ejections of Bobby Cox

One of baseball's most beloved managers is gone. Hall of Famer Bobby Cox passed away this week, and Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville celebrate his life with a guest who knew him well — Mark DeRosa, who played for Cox in Atlanta and shares what made him such a special manager. DeRosa also reveals a moment that stuck with him: Cox going out of his way to say he was glad to see him thriving, even after DeRosa had long since moved on to other teams. Then, Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz provides the material for one of the most jaw-dropping Strange But True segments in recent memory.

Rundown:

2:00 ABS Through the First Quarter of the Season

10:12 Mark DeRosa Joins the Show

11:45 Remembering Bobby Cox

23:30 Al Leiter Pops In

29:07 Remembering Bobby Cox (cont’d)

33:00 Managing Team USA in WBC

39:22 Remembering Bobby Cox (cont’d)

42:49 Strange But True

Jayson’s Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7281002/2026

Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social

Follow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.social

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Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville

With: Mark DeRosa (and Al Leiter)

Producer: Jason Potere

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