Bob Boone, who captured four Gold Gloves, dies at age 78

Former Major League Baseball catcher Bob Boone has died at the age of 78.

Bret Boone, Bob’s son and also a former major leaguer, confirmed the death in a post on the social media platform X. He described his father as his mentor, coach, and rock. Boone noted that his father taught him how to be a professional and a man. He called Bob one of the highest integrity people he had ever known. He stated that baseball lost a great one yesterday.

Bob Boone was born in San Diego and played college baseball at Stanford University. He made his major league debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1972. He remained with the Phillies for ten seasons. During that tenure, he helped the team win its first World Series in 1980. He then played seven seasons as a catcher for the California Angels. He spent two final seasons with the Kansas City Royals. While with the Angels, he won Gold Glove Awards in 1982, 1986, 1987, and 1988.

After his playing career, Boone managed the Kansas City Royals from 1995 to 1997. He later managed the Cincinnati Reds from 2001 to 2003. Major League Baseball noted that the Boone family fielded three generations of major league players. The family included his father Ray and his sons Bret and Aaron. MLB described them as the first family to achieve that distinction with all members becoming All-Stars.

A cause of death had not been announced as of Tuesday. The family has not yet released details regarding funeral arrangements or a memorial service.