One of baseball's most beloved managers is gone. Hall of Famer Bobby Cox passed away this week, and Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville celebrate his life with a guest who knew him well — Mark DeRosa, who played for Cox in Atlanta and shares what made him such a special manager. DeRosa also reveals a moment that stuck with him: Cox going out of his way to say he was glad to see him thriving, even after DeRosa had long since moved on to other teams. Then, Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz provides the material for one of the most jaw-dropping Strange But True segments in recent memory.
Rundown:
2:00 ABS Through the First Quarter of the Season
10:12 Mark DeRosa Joins the Show
11:45 Remembering Bobby Cox
23:30 Al Leiter Pops In
29:07 Remembering Bobby Cox (cont’d)
33:00 Managing Team USA in WBC
39:22 Remembering Bobby Cox (cont’d)
42:49 Strange But True
Jayson’s Article: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7281002/2026
Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social
Follow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.social
E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com
Starkville Hotline: (347) 313-8371
Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels
Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville
With: Mark DeRosa (and Al Leiter)
Producer: Jason Potere
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