Bobby Cox One Ejection Away From The Record Book

Bobby Cox, in his march towards history, is now a mere one ejection away from tying John McGraw's all time record after getting tossed by Ron Kulpa while arguing a fair/foul call.

When I think of managers who constantly and famously berate umpires such as Earl Weaver and Billy Martin, I can't imagine that umpires always thought highly of them. But blue certainly has a deep respect for Cox (either that or they're just being polite for the media):

"I've never had a problem with Bobby," Kulpa said. "This is my ninth year and this is the first time that I've ever ejected him. I don't think any umpire is out there looking to get Bobby. Bobby respects us and we have a lot of respect for him."

So that puts Cox one behind John McGraw, and 127 ahead of John Smoltz, who earned his third career thumb just minutes after Cox's. Smoltz accused Kulpa of having some rabbit ears.

"I didn't say anything that warranted getting thrown out, not one bit," Smoltz said. "I told him he missed the call, and the next thing you know, I'm getting thrown out. It's pretty weak. But maybe he's having a bad day."

An umpire having a bad day? Come on, Smoltzie, that never happens.

Smoltz has to learn to get his money's worth on these ejections like his manager. Cox knows what he's doing in that regard, and that's why he finds himself on the cusp of history. And for whoever starts that pool to try to predict who the umpire who ejects Cox to tie the record, give me Angel Hernandez. Just a guess.

Previously on The Fanhouse:
Bobby Cox Chases History