Former Atlanta Braves coach Bobby Dews, who spent more than 37 years with the organization before retiring in 2012, died Saturday at age 76.
"A true Brave who gave his heart and soul to our organization to help create, develop and lead one of the most productive minor league systems ever," Braves president John Schuerholz said in a statement. "A good man and dear friend to his Braves family and he will be very truly missed."
Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman and former Braves slugger Chipper Jones tweeted their thoughts about Dews on Sunday:
It was an honor to know you bobby dews. I will miss you as will braves country! #RIPBobby
— Freddie Freeman (@FreddieFreeman5) December 27, 2015Christian, coach, mentor, writer and friend! He was great at all of them. Braves Country will miss you! Rest in Peace Bobby Dews.
— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) December 27, 2015Dews spent 53 years in professional baseball, starting with the St. Louis Cardinals organization and joining the Braves in 1974. Among his jobs with the Braves were minor league manager and bullpen coach.
Dews was 414-413 in seven seasons as a minor league manager, directing Cardinals' farm teams in Lewiston, Cedar Rapids and Modesto and Braves' affiliates in Kingsport, Savannah, Durham and Greenville.
"Very sad day for all of us in the Braves family," former Braves star Dale Murphy tweeted. "I was one of many lucky guys that Bobby Dews mentored in baseball and life. RIP 'Dewsy.'"
The Associated Press contributed to this report.