All-Star catcher, manager Bob Boone dies at 78

By Field Level Media

Nov 10 (Field Level Media) – Bob Boone, a decorated catcher who won the 1980 World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies, died Monday at the age of 78.

The Major League Baseball Players Association and Boone’s son, Bret, confirmed the four-time All-Star’s passing on Tuesday.

Boone also won seven Gold Gloves during a 19-year with the Phillies (1972-81), then-California Angels (1982-88) and Kansas City Royals (1989-90). He retired with 1,838 hits, 105 home runs and 826 RBIs in 2,264 games.

Part of an esteemed three-generation baseball family, Boone was the son of All-Star infielder Ray Boone and the father of All-Stars Aaron Boone and Bret Boone.

Aaron Boone is the manager of the New York Yankees, who released a statement.

“The Yankees mourn the passing of Bob Boone, who grew up in our sport and spent a lifetime giving back to the game he loved as an exceptional player, respected manager and distinguished executive,” the statement read. “His legacy is profound, and we can see the values he embodied carried forward by his son, Aaron, in his leadership of the Yankees. Our entire organization joins the baseball community in extending its heartfelt condolences to the entire Boone family and all who had the privilege of being touched by his friendship.”

Bob Boone batted .412 (7 for 17) with two doubles and four RBIs during the Phillies’ six-game World Series victory against the Royals in 1980.

He made the National League All-Star team three times with the Phillies (1976, 1978 and 1979) and was inducted into the Philadelphia Baseball Wall of Fame in 2005. He was an American League All-Star in 1983.

“Bob was an incredible player, teammate and family man. He embodied everything we believe exemplary athletes should represent, both on and off the field,” the Phillies said in a statement. “We were proud to have him as part of the Phillies family during one of the most historic runs in team history. His impact on our organization, his teammates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him will never be forgotten.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bob’s beloved wife Sue, his sons Bret, Aaron and Matt, his extended family and friends and former teammates at this difficult time.”

On Sept. 30, 1984, while playing for the Angels, Boone caught Mike Witt’s perfect game against the Texas Rangers.

“The Angels join the baseball community in mourning the passing of Bob Boone,” the Los Angeles Angels said in a statement. “Our franchise leader in games caught, Boone’s leadership, exceptional defense and knowledge of the game made him an invaluable presence behind the plate and helped the Angels win two division titles. During his seven years with the Club, Boone would earn four Gold Glove Awards, the most by a catcher in Angels history. His impact on our pitchers and the example he set for his teammates are lasting parts of his legacy with our franchise.”

Boone ranks third all-time in games caught with 2,225, trailing only Hall of Famers Ivan Rodriguez (2,427) and Carlton Fisk (2,226).

He later managed the Royals (1995-97) and Cincinnati Reds (2001-03), compiling an overall record of 371-444.

“He embraced a leadership role in the Players Association early in his career and earned a reputation as a strong and principled voice in the advancement of player rights in the 1970s and ’80s,” the MLBPA said in a statement. “… The player community, past and present, owes him an enormous debt of gratitude for his commitment and dedication to the union and its mission.”

(–Field Level Media)