Tonight is Bobby Cox night in Atlanta. Turner Field is sold out, the field has been groomed -- including a jersey with the No. "6" in front of the Braves dugout -- and hundreds of former players, coaches, and family members are in attendance for the special night.
Don Sutton is the master of ceremonies for the evening. After listing all of Bobby's accomplishments, the legendary manager came onto the field in a silver Corvette to be greeted by the 50,000+ cheering.
A large stage was placed in the middle of the field and he took it as the roars of "BOBBY! BOBBY! BOBBY!" came from the fans. Joining him on stage included legends Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Chipper Jones, Ted Turner, Frank Wren, and many, many others.
Just a few quick quotes, but stay tuned to SB Nation Atlanta for a complete transcribe of the ceremony:
Greg Maddux: "When Bobby talked, we listened. We wanted to play for him."
Tom Glaive: "The one thing you would always hear is Bobby is the best. Everyone says it. Whether you're a player on the team, an usher in the stands, or the star player, they would say Bobby is the best."
John Smoltz: "Bobby was a mentor, he was a psychologist, he was the guy who knew how to made you tick."
Chipper Jones: "We wish you the very best with your retirement."
Bobby is special person. He is Atlanta Braves baseball. This franchise isn't where it is today without No. 6 at the helm for twenty years.
The unveiling of a large "6" took place after the speeches and the Turner Field crowd cheered as they've never cheered before.