
James Robert Horner
Major League Baseball Player
- Lifespan
- August 6, 1957 – May 26, 2026Aug 6, 1957 – May 26, 2026
- Location
- Irving, Texas, USAIrving, TX

Major League Baseball Player
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Key moments and achievements from James Horner's life.
James was born
· Irving, Texas, USA
Award
Horner led the Arizona State University Sun Devils to a national championship and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. This performance established him as one of the most decorated players in NCAA history. It served as the final chapter of a collegiate career that saw him become a dominant force in amateur baseball.
Award
Horner led the Arizona State University Sun Devils to a national championship and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. This performance established him as one of the most decorated players in NCAA history. It served as the final chapter of a collegiate career that saw him become a dominant force in amateur baseball.
Achievement
After becoming the first-ever winner of the Golden Spikes Award, Horner was selected No. 1 overall in the MLB Draft. He famously bypassed the minor leagues entirely, making his debut for the Atlanta Braves just ten days after being drafted. In his first game, he hit a home run against future Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven.
Achievement
After becoming the first-ever winner of the Golden Spikes Award, Horner was selected No. 1 overall in the MLB Draft. He famously bypassed the minor leagues entirely, making his debut for the Atlanta Braves just ten days after being drafted. In his first game, he hit a home run against future Hall of Famer Bert Blyleven.
Award
Horner secured the Rookie of the Year honors after an explosive debut season in which he hit 23 home runs in only 89 games. His immediate success validated the Braves' decision to bring him directly to the major leagues. This award marked the beginning of his decade-long tenure as a cornerstone of the franchise.
Award
Horner secured the Rookie of the Year honors after an explosive debut season in which he hit 23 home runs in only 89 games. His immediate success validated the Braves' decision to bring him directly to the major leagues. This award marked the beginning of his decade-long tenure as a cornerstone of the franchise.
Professional Conflict
Horner demonstrated his stubborn integrity by refusing a minor league assignment ordered by Braves owner Ted Turner. He challenged Turner to prove he was not among the best players on the team, effectively winning the confrontation. This event highlighted his refusal to follow traditional paths or submit to arbitrary authority.
Professional Conflict
Horner demonstrated his stubborn integrity by refusing a minor league assignment ordered by Braves owner Ted Turner. He challenged Turner to prove he was not among the best players on the team, effectively winning the confrontation. This event highlighted his refusal to follow traditional paths or submit to arbitrary authority.
Record
In a game against the Montreal Expos, Horner became the 11th player in MLB history and the first in Atlanta Braves history to hit four home runs in a single game. This feat represented the peak of his physical power as a slugger. Despite the historic individual performance, the Braves lost the game, adding to the folk hero lore surrounding his career.
Record
In a game against the Montreal Expos, Horner became the 11th player in MLB history and the first in Atlanta Braves history to hit four home runs in a single game. This feat represented the peak of his physical power as a slugger. Despite the historic individual performance, the Braves lost the game, adding to the folk hero lore surrounding his career.
International Play
Reacting to the MLB owner collusion scandal, Horner signed with the Yakult Swallows in Japan for a single season. He became a cultural icon known as Mr. Ho-Mah, hitting 31 home runs with a .327 batting average. His move was a significant disruption to the traditional career path of American baseball stars during that era.
International Play
Reacting to the MLB owner collusion scandal, Horner signed with the Yakult Swallows in Japan for a single season. He became a cultural icon known as Mr. Ho-Mah, hitting 31 home runs with a .327 batting average. His move was a significant disruption to the traditional career path of American baseball stars during that era.
Honor
Horner was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame as a member of its inaugural class. This honor recognized his historic contributions to Arizona State University and his role as the first Golden Spikes winner. It solidified his legacy as one of the greatest amateur players to ever play the game.
Honor
Horner was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame as a member of its inaugural class. This honor recognized his historic contributions to Arizona State University and his role as the first Golden Spikes winner. It solidified his legacy as one of the greatest amateur players to ever play the game.
James Horner passed away