Bob Boone, the durable, seven-time Gold Glove catcher who backstopped the Philadelphia Phillies’ first World Series championship in 1980 and anchored baseball’s first three-generation major-league family, died Monday. He was 78.
His son Bret Boone confirmed the news Tuesday. “With a heavy heart, I’m here to confirm the passing of my dad today,” Bret wrote on Facebook. “He was a man of great integrity. He was a great dad, husband, and patriarch. It was a privilege to call him my father. Baseball lost a great one today. I love you dad.” No cause of death was disclosed.
Born Robert Raymond Boone on Nov. 19, 1947, in San Diego, he was the son of All-Star infielder Ray Boone and a descendant of American pioneer Daniel Boone. After starring at Stanford—where he studied psychology and completed pre-med coursework—he was selected by the Phillies in the sixth round of the 1969 draft. Originally an infielder, he converted to catcher in the minors and made his major-league debut on Sept. 10, 1972.
Over 19 seasons with the Phillies (1972-81), California Angels (1982-88), and Kansas City Royals (1989-90), Boone established himself as one of the era’s premier defensive catchers. He earned seven Gold Glove Awards, made four All-Star teams (1976, 1978, 1979, 1983), and finished his career with a .254 batting average, 105 home runs, 826 RBIs, and 1,838 hits. He caught 2,225 games, ranking third all-time at the time of his retirement behind only Iván Rodríguez and Carlton Fisk.
Boone’s defining moment came in 1980, when he helped the Phillies defeat the Kansas City Royals for the franchise’s first title. He hit .412 (7-for-17) in the World Series and caught the final strike thrown by Tug McGraw that sealed the championship. Earlier in the postseason, his two-run single off Nolan Ryan in Game 5 of the NLCS against Houston helped Philadelphia advance. He was inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame in 2005.
With the Angels, he caught Mike Witt’s perfect game on Sept. 30, 1984, and remained a key defensive presence on clubs that came within a game of the World Series in 1982 and 1986. He closed his playing career with the Royals, winning his final Gold Glove in 1989 at age 41.
Boone later managed the Royals (1995-97) and Cincinnati Reds (2001-03), compiling a 371-444 record. He also worked in the Washington Nationals’ front office for many years, contributing to their 2019 World Series title.
The Boone family became the first in major-league history to produce three generations of players. Ray Boone played from 1948 to 1960; Bob’s sons Bret (a three-time All-Star and Gold Glove second baseman) and Aaron (a former All-Star who is now manager of the New York Yankees) both reached the majors. Bret’s son Jake has played in the Nationals’ minor-league system.
Boone is survived by his wife, Susan (Sue); sons Aaron, Bret, and Matt; and grandchildren.
From Veterans Stadium to Angel Stadium to Kauffman Stadium, Boone embodied the quiet excellence of a catcher who controlled games, handled elite pitching staffs, and endured the physical toll of the position for nearly two decades. His legacy endures not only in the box scores and Gold Gloves, but in the family name that continues to shape baseball.
Bret Boone on X (formerly Twitter): “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❤️ pic.twitter.com/4NtYAwXIv3 / X”
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.
