1969 Profile: Bobby Cox

"Twenty-six-year-old rookies are about as rare these as .300 hitters. But Bobby Cox, definitely the former but not the latter, joined the Yankees last season after spending eight years in the minors. He was up from Richmond where he batted .297 and helped the team to a pennant. He had always been considered a top hitting prospect, but a sore arm had slowed down his development as a third baseman.
Given the starting job last spring after Charley Smith was hurt, Bobby was slow to catch on and inconsistent once he did. There was a time when he was hitting at a near-.300 pace, but over the season he averaged out to an unspectacular .229 while striking out 85 times. But he did collect seven home runs and come up with a number of timely and game-winning hits."

-Jack Zanger, Major League Baseball 1969

"Cox absolutely gives 100 per cent of his ability at all times. He's not flashy or fleet, but he can do everything. Bob drives in the big runs; he drove in 41 last year and had seven home runs. He won the regular spot at third base and left no doubt about it by doing well on the field. He will have to compete with Bobby Murcer this year and that should be quite a competitive battle at the hot corner. If Murcer is to take the job away from Cox, he will have to equal him on the field and excel him as a hitter - quite an order. Cox is noted as a competitor.
Set back by injuries and illness, Cox spent eight years in the minors. When he arrived at Richmond, the Braves farm club, in '67, he found rough competition awaiting him. But Cox has two great things going for him - hustle and perseverance. He won the job and hit .297 in 99 games, with 14 homers and 51 RBI's as Richmond's Most Valuable Player.
Cox spent the winter in the Venezuelan League preparing for what may well be one the biggest years of his career. Bob, who's 27, lives in Selma, California and is the father of five children."

-The New York Yankees Official 1969 Yearbook

"Acquired by the Yankees from the Atlanta Braves in November 1967 in exchange for pitcher Dale Roberts and catcher Bob Tillman, Cox came to spring training last year to battle for the third base job which was wide open. Mike Ferraro opened the season at the hot corner, yet Cox, who is known as a late starter, improved steadily and became the regular third baseman on April 27. He was named to the American League All-Rookie Team of 1968.
Bobby was originally signed by the Dodgers. He was considered a good hitting prospect throughout his minor league career but had position problems. Due to a sore arm, he was switched to second base, shortstop and the outfield before returning to his normal spot at third in 1967 with Richmond. Bobby responded with a .297 average, 14 homers and 51 RBIs and led the club to the International League pennant.
Hailed by his teammates as a young old-timer, Bobby talks, eats and sleeps baseball. He has starred in the Venezuelan League for the past two winters."

-1969 New York Yankees Press-TV-Radio Guide