Bob Boone, a four-time MLB All-Star who helped the Philadelphia Phillies win the 1980 World Series, died Monday. He was 78 years old.
Boone’s death was confirmed by his son, former MLB infielder Bret Boone, on Facebook. Bob is also the father of New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
The MLBPA also confirmed Boone’s death.
Bob – a sixth-round pick of the Phillies in the 1969 MLB Draft – continued to build quite the baseball legacy after reaching the majors in 1972. It took him a few years to fully find his footing, but he eventually became a solid hitter capable of fantastic defense behind the plate as a catcher.
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From 1976 to 1979, Boone hit .282/.351/.414, making three All-Star teams and winning two Gold Glove awards.
After 10 seasons in Philadelphia, Boone joined the California Angels for seven years before finishing his career with the Kansas City Royals. He made one more All-Star team and won five additional Gold Glove awards before launching his playing career.
He didn’t stay out of baseball for long. Five years later, Boone was hired to manage the Royals. He posted a 181-205 record in three years with the team, never making the playoffs. After a few years of absence, he re-emerged as manager, leading the Cincinnati Reds for three seasons. The team went 190-238 under Boone.
Bob Boone built a baseball legacy
Boone’s impact on the game lasted much longer than his actual career. Two of Boone’s three sons had long careers in the MLB. Additionally, Boone’s father, Ray, had a long MLB career as an infielder.
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Bret was a three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove Award winner and played 14 years in the majors.
Aaron had a 12-year playing career, making an All-Star team. He is, of course, best known for his nine years as manager of the Yankees. Aaron led the team to a 790-565 record during this span, although a World Series championship remained elusive.
A fourth generation of the Boone family also got their chance in the majors. In 2017, the Washington Nationals selected Jake Boone, Bret’s son, in the MLB draft. Jake only played one season in the minor leagues before moving to the independent leagues.
Phillies pay tribute to Bob Boone
Boone’s status in the game remained strong until his death on Monday. A number of prominent baseball figures paid tribute to Boone on social media Tuesday.
Jim Bowden, who hired Boone to manage the Reds, also paid tribute to his former colleague.
New York Mets legend Mike Piazza also paid tribute to Boone, saying the Phillies star was responsible for Piazza’s desire to become a catcher.
The Yankees also wrote a tribute to Boone.
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