Bobby Cox Signs Contract Extension, Will Retire After 2010

Bobby Cox has managed the Atlanta Braves for 24 years, including the past 19. His contract was previously up at the end of the season, but, Wednesday afternoon, the Braves announced that Cox will return for a 20th consecutive season as their skipper.

This bit of good news didn't come without a black cloud, though, as Cox also announced the 2010 season will be his last in the dugout. Following the season, he will retire from managing. As part of the contract extension, Cox will stay with the Braves as an advisor and consultant in all areas of baseball operations from 2011-2015.

"I share with all of our great Braves fans the excitement over the good news of Bobby's signing a 2010 contract extension," said Braves president John Schuerholz. "It has been my good fortune to share a personal relationship and professional partnership with Bobby since 1991.

"It has been an honor and pleasure to work side by side with Bobby Cox. We are thrilled with his return as manager in 2010 and with his continued association with us for many years to follow."

Cox, 68, is the all-time winningest manager in franchise history, currently sporting a 2,053-1,632 record for the Braves. Under Cox, the Braves won their division 14 consecutive times, five National League pennants and one World Series championship. His 66 postseason victories are second in history to only Joe Torre. Cox has won four Manager of the Year awards, and his six 100-win seasons tie him with Joe McCarthy for the most in major league history.

"I am very excited and honored to be making plans for next year," said Cox. "While I have decided that 2010 will be my last season in the dugout, I want to make it clear that we will all be working as hard as ever to win another world championship for the city of Atlanta and our great Braves fans. I really can't express how proud I am of our team, and how thankful I am that Frank [Wren, Braves GM] and John have given me the opportunity to retire with the organization that I've been with for almost 30 seasons."

Technically speaking, Cox's Braves still have an outside shot at the playoffs for this current season as well. They have won nine of their last 11 games and moved into a tie with the Giants for second in the wild-card standings. They trail the Colorado Rockies by five games with 11 left to play.