Bob Boone, the catcher who helped the Philadelphia Phillies capture the 1980 World Series and the father of New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, died Monday at age 78. His passing was confirmed by his son Bret Boone on Facebook.
Boone’s Major League Baseball career began in 1972 after the Phillies selected him in the sixth round of the 1969 draft. He took a few years to establish himself but became a reliable presence behind the plate and a solid hitter. Between 1976 and 1979, Boone hit .282 with a .351 on-base percentage and a .414 slugging average. During that stretch, he earned three All-Star selections and two Gold Glove awards for his defensive skills.
After a decade in Philadelphia, Boone signed with the California Angels, where he played for seven years. He then finished his playing career with the Kansas City Royals. Over his entire career, Boone made one more All-Star team and won five additional Gold Gloves. His defensive ability was a defining feature of his time on the field.
Boone’s involvement in baseball continued after his playing days ended. He managed the Royals from 1995 to 1997, compiling a 181-205 record without reaching the playoffs. Later, he returned to managing with the Cincinnati Reds for three seasons, where the team went 190-238 during his tenure.
Baseball ran deep in Boone’s family. His father, Ray Boone, had a long MLB career as an infielder. Two of Bob’s three sons also played in the majors. Bret Boone was a three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner over 14 seasons. Aaron Boone played 12 seasons, made one All-Star team, and has managed the Yankees for nine years, posting a 790-565 record. The family legacy extended to the next generation when Bret’s son Jake was drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2017 and played in the minors and independent leagues.
The Phillies and many others in the baseball community paid tribute to Boone after news of his death spread. Ruben Amaro Jr., former Phillies general manager, called Boone “a tremendous catcher and baseball man but also so classy, such a good man.” Amaro offered blessings to Boone’s wife Sue and their family.
Greg Luzinski, a former Phillies player and Boone’s roommate, expressed his grief as well, writing “RIP to close friend Bob Boone… my roommate has passed on. God bless.”
Jim Bowden, who hired Boone to manage the Reds, described him as “a leader as a player, coach and manager… a great son, husband, father, grandfather… gold glove catcher… loved baseball and family at an elite level… high class and character special human.”
Mike Piazza, the Mets Hall of Famer, noted that Boone inspired him to become a catcher. Piazza wrote, “I grew up watching Bob with the great Phillies teams of the 70’s… His play and mastery of catching inspired me to want to play the position.”
Boone’s career spanned decades as a player and manager, but his influence extended through his family and the many players who admired his work behind the plate. His death on Monday prompted expressions of respect from players, coaches, and executives who remembered him as a skilled catcher and a person of character.
According to Yahoo Sports.
