Bob Boone, World Series champion and member of a three-generation baseball family, has died at 78, his son announced on social media.
Bret Boone, a three-time All-Star, did not offer a cause of death in his X post.
“My dad – He was my mentor, my coach, my rock. He taught me how to be a pro and more importantly, how to be a man. He was one of the highest integrity people I’ve ever known and I’m going to miss him dearly. Baseball lost a great one yesterday. R.I.P dad, I love you,” Bret posted on X with a heart emoji.
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Bob Boone’s father, Ray, who played for six teams over his 13-year career from 1948 to 1960 and won a World Series with the Cleveland Indians, was the first member of Major League Baseball’s first-ever three-generation baseball family.
Bob played longer than his father, spending 19 seasons in the big leagues. He played for the Philadelphia Phillies for 10 seasons, the California Angels for seven seasons and the final two seasons with the Kansas City Royals.
Boone was a catcher who was named an All-Star four times and won seven Gold Glove Awards. He had a career .254 batting average with 105 home runs, 826 RBI and 38 stolen bases. He is also a member of the Phillies’ Wall of Fame.
“Bob was an incredible player, teammate and family man,” the Phillies said in a statement.
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“He embodied everything we believe exemplary athletes should represent, both on and off the field. 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.”
“Bob Boone was a leader, a manager, and our first Gold Glove winning catcher,” the Royals said in a statement. “We honor his impact on our game, and send our thoughts and strength to his family.”
Boone was a key figure in Major League Baseball’s Player Association during his playing career.
“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.
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“Bob followed the example of his father, Ray, a World War II Navy veteran and 13-year big leaguer, and passed along baseball and life lessons to his sons Bret and Aaron during their professional tenures. The player community, past and present, owes him an enormous debt of gratitude for his commitment and dedication to the union and its mission.”
After his playing days, Boone became a manager. He spent three seasons each with the Royals (1995-97) and the Cincinnati Reds (2001-03), amassing a career record of 371-444. He managed his son, Aaron, with the Reds.
Bob’s three sons all played at varying levels of professional baseball. Bret and Aaron were both All-Stars in the major leagues, while Matt played in the minor leagues.
Aaron is the current manager of the New York Yankees.
“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 Yankees said in a statement. “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 is survived by his wife, Sue, his high school sweetheart, and his three sons and grandchildren.