Bob Boone, the durable catcher who anchored the 1980 World Series championship team and served as the middle link in Major League ’s first three-generation family, has passed away at 78.
Boone’s career stretched across nearly two decades as a player, followed by managerial stints and a long run in the Nationals’ front office.
Bob Boone built his reputation as one of the steadiest backstops of his era. He played 2,225 games at catcher over 19 seasons with the (1972-81), California Angels (1982-88), and (1989-90), ranking third all-time in games caught. His seven Gold Glove Awards place him fourth in history at the position. After starring at Stanford and going in the sixth round of the 1969 draft, he debuted in 1972 and earned the first of four All-Star selections in 1976.
With the Phillies, he helped deliver the franchise’s first title in 1980. Traded to the Angels the following year, he became the club’s franchise leader in games behind the plate, a mark he still holds, and delivered strong postseason production during the team’s competitive stretch in the 1980s. He finished his playing days at age 42 with the Royals in 1990 after a career batting line of .254 with 105 home runs and 826 RBIs.
(More to follow)
