Photo: Rick Stewart / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
Bob Boone, a legendary catcher and part of Major League Baseball's first three-generation family, has died at the age of 78. His son, Bret Boone, confirmed the news on social media, expressing his deep admiration for his father. "He was my mentor, my coach, my rock," Bret wrote, adding that baseball lost a great one.
Bob Boone's career spanned 19 years, during which he won seven Gold Glove Awards and was a key player for the Philadelphia Phillies' first World Series championship team in 1980. He also played for the California Angels and Kansas City Royals. Boone was originally from San Diego and played college baseball at Stanford University. He made his MLB debut with the Phillies in 1972 and spent his first 10 seasons with the team, according to WDBJ7.
Boone's impact extended beyond his playing career. He managed the Royals from 1995 to 1997 and the Cincinnati Reds from 2001 to 2003. He later joined the Washington Nationals' front office in 2005, helping the team win its first World Series in 2019. Boone resigned in 2021 due to the team's COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Bob Boone was part of an esteemed baseball family. His father, Ray Boone, was a two-time All-Star, and his sons, Bret and Aaron Boone, also had successful MLB careers. Aaron currently manages the New York Yankees. The Boones became the first family to field three generations of Major League players, all of whom were All-Stars, as reported by The Independent.
During his career, Bob Boone caught 2,225 games, ranking third all-time in games caught. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Baseball Wall of Fame in 2005. The Phillies and Angels both released statements honoring Boone's contributions to the sport and expressing condolences to his family, according to BND.
No cause of death has been announced.