Ronald Acuña’s grand slam was the ultimate tribute to Bobby Cox

Ronald Acuña hit the Braves MLB-leading sixth grand slam of the season on Bobby Cox’s birthday. That can’t be a coincidence. 

How can you not be romantic about baseball? Cox, of course, was No. 6.

Cox turned 80 years old on Friday. The former Braves manager still has plenty of say within the organization, and could be seen patrolling the dugout at spring training time and again before recently battling health issues.

In 25 years as Braves manager, Cox put up ridiculous numbers — he posted 2,149 victories, 14 consecutive NL East division titles and a World Series in 1995. His No. 6 has been retired by the Braves franchise, and he is obviously a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Ronald Acuña pays tribute to Bobby Cox in the best way

Acuña went deep for his MLB-leading 14th home run this season. As previously mentioned, it’s the Braves sixth grand slam of the year.

Brian Snitker was asked about his good friend Cox on Friday, and though he hadn’t yet gotten a chance to reach out, the current Braves manager had plenty of warm regards for his predecessor.

“I’m going to try to get ahold of him when we’re done (speaking with reporters). I’ve done a couple videos for him. I just miss him every day he’s not here. I hate it for him. I hate it for us, the guys, because he’s a very valuable piece in this organization. The reason we’re the Braves, a big reason, is Bobby Cox. That’s why the Atlanta Braves are (who they are). So I just want to say happy birthday again to him,” Snitker said.

We’d like to wish Cox a happy birthday as well, and hope that his health concerns are behind him soon. A standing ovation at Truist Park awaits.