Bob Horner went straight from Arizona State University to Atlanta’s starting line-up with impressive but ultimately disappointing results. He was a second baseman on TSN’s College All-America team in 1977 and 1978, signed for a $175,000 bonus with the Braves, hit a home run in his first major league game, and won Rookie of the Year honors. A steady home run hitter, Horner fought weight and injury problems. Slow, with poor range, he moved from third to first in 1985. A dead-pull streak hitter and slow starter, Horner played for the Yakult Swallows of Japan in 1987 after playing out his option with the Braves. He was signed by the Cardinals in 1988 to replace their departed slugger Jack Clark. Horner tied a major league record with a four-home run-game in 1986.
