Former Atlanta Braves coach Bobby Dews died Saturday at age 76.

Dews spent more than 37 years with the organization before retiring in 2012.

"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," John Schuerholz said in a statement. "A good man and dear friend to his Braves family and he will be very truly missed."

Dews 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.