Former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox embraces team mascot Blooper after giving the command to "Play ball!" at the team's spring training finale against the Tampa Bay Rays last month in North Port, Fla.ATLANTA - Bobby Cox was able to accept visitors in his Atlanta-area hospital room Wednesday, one day after the former longtime Atlanta Braves manager had a stroke.
Current Braves manager Brian Snitker and general manager Alex Anthopoulos were among those who visited Cox, who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.
"He's holding up great, as Bobby would," Snitker said.
Snitker described his reaction to Cox's stroke as "stunned." Snitker, who worked as a third base coach for Cox, became emotional when talking about his 77-year-old mentor.
"He's a strong man, he's got a strong will," Snitker said, adding, "right now, we're all just praying."
First baseman Freddie Freeman, who made his debut in Cox's 2010 farewell season, said he felt a missing presence around the team, which hosted the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night.
"It's tough," Freeman said. "But we all know Bobby Cox. I don't think a stroke is going to keep him down. We'll see him here real soon, hopefully."
Cox wore his Braves jersey while shouting "Play ball!" before the first pitch of Monday night's home opener against the Cubs, an 8-0 victory for Atlanta after an 0-3 start in Philadelphia.
Even in retirement, Cox has remained a regular around the Braves. His routine includes pregame coffee with Snitker.
"I said about 6:20, when I'm normally in there drinking coffee with him, it's going to be a big void," Snitker said.
Snitker said he visited Cox in the hospital "as much for me as for him. He'll be fine."
Cox's family released a statement on Wednesday thanking fans for their support.
"We want to thank all of you who have sent their well wishes or said a prayer," the statement read. "We know the power of Braves Country and we hope those prayers and positive thoughts continue as Bobby heals. You don't know how much your support means to Bobby and to our family."
The Braves also released a statement that read: "We know no one stronger or more determined than Bobby Cox. Our thoughts and prayers are with him as he recovers. We look forward to seeing him soon and would like to thank the baseball community for joining together to support our dear friend."
Catcher Brian McCann described Cox as "one of the best human beings any of us have ever met" and an "icon."
"He is the Atlanta Braves," McCann said. "He's the best."
Freeman said he expected Cox would be watching Wednesday night's game.
"He's going to be keeping score," Freeman said. "He's going to be yelling at us, for sure."
Cox ranks fourth all-time in the majors with 2,504 wins in 29 years as a manager, including 25 years in two stints with the Braves and four years with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Braves retired Cox's No. 6 after his final season.
Cox led the Braves to 14 straight division titles from 1991 to 2005 - the 1994 season was shortened by a players' strike - including the 1995 World Series title, the Braves' only one since moving to Atlanta in 1966.
He began his second stint with the Braves as general manager in 1985 when he was lured back to Atlanta by Ted Turner, the team's owner at the time. As GM, Cox helped build the team that enjoyed the long run of division titles.
Cox's most celebrated draft pick as GM was Chipper Jones, the No. 1 overall selection in 1990, the same year Cox returned to the dugout as manager. John Schuerholz became Atlanta's GM, forming a successful partnership with Cox.
Jones spent his full career with the Braves and was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year, joining Cox and former Braves pitchers and teammates Tom Glavine (2014), Greg Maddux (2014) and John Smoltz (2015).
Jones used his Twitter account to express support for Cox, writing "Prayers up this morning for the Skipper!!!"