# Starkville | The Life, Times, and Ejections of Bobby Cox

An episode of [Rates & Barrels: A show about Baseball](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1486883874), 16 May 2026, 57 min.

Audio: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/6818a1a4eb737caf8ca41879/e/6a071a74c70c1a0842ff543d/media.mp3

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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