Bobby Cox To Call It Quits As Braves Manager

It looks like long-time Atlanta manager Bobby Cox will be stepping down as Braves Skipper.

Cox, 68, agreed to a one-year contract extension for next season (2010) and then will start a five-year consulting agreement to advise the team in baseball operations after he steps down as manager.

During an illustrious career on the bench, Cox has guided Atlanta to 14 consecutive postseason appearances and the 1995 World Series title.

It would seem a little strange thinking of the NL East and Major League Baseball for that matter, without Bobby Cox as a part of it, but after 50 years in the game, he figures that the only way he would ever give up managing was to pick a specific time and announce it publicly.

“There is a little bit of relief once you come to grips with announcing it,” Cox said. “I’ve never lost the love to manage. But at my age, you have to make a decision. Somebody a little younger can start up.”