Bob Horner's journey through Major League Baseball is a tale of raw talent and power at the plate. Born on August 6, 1957, in Junction City, Kansas, Horner grew up to become one of the most promising sluggers of his era. He first gained national attention during his college years at Arizona State University, where he played for the Sun Devils. His exceptional performance in college baseball earned him the Golden Spikes Award in 1978, recognizing him as the best amateur baseball player in the United States.

Horner's transition to professional baseball was swift and impressive. The Atlanta Braves selected him as the first overall pick in the 1978 Major League Baseball Draft. Skipping the minor leagues entirely, Horner made his major league debut with the Braves on June 16, 1978. In his first game, he hit a home run, signaling the beginning of a promising career. By the end of his rookie season, Horner had hit 23 home runs in just 89 games, earning him the National League Rookie of the Year award.

Throughout his career, Horner was known for his powerful hitting. He consistently demonstrated his ability to drive the ball out of the park, making him a constant threat to opposing pitchers. In 1980, he hit 35 home runs, a personal best that showcased his prowess as a slugger. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Horner maintained a high level of performance whenever he was on the field.

One of the most memorable moments in Horner's career came on July 6, 1986, when he hit four home runs in a single game against the Montreal Expos. This feat made him one of the few players in MLB history to achieve such a remarkable accomplishment. Despite his individual success, the Braves struggled as a team during much of Horner's tenure, often finishing near the bottom of the standings.

In 1987, Horner made a surprising move by signing with the Yakult Swallows of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. His decision to play in Japan was influenced by the lack of satisfactory offers from MLB teams due to concerns about his injury history. In Japan, Horner continued to display his power-hitting abilities, although his time there was brief.

Horner returned to the major leagues in 1988, signing with the St. Louis Cardinals. However, his stint with the Cardinals was short-lived, as injuries continued to hamper his performance. After playing just 60 games and hitting three home runs, Horner's major league career came to an end.

Over the course of his MLB career, Bob Horner played in 1,020 games, amassing 218 home runs and 685 RBIs. His career batting average stood at .277, reflecting his consistent ability to contribute offensively. Despite the challenges posed by injuries, Horner's talent and power left a lasting impression on those who witnessed his playing days.

After retiring from professional baseball, Horner largely stepped away from the public eye.

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