Bob Boone, World Series champion with Phillies and part of 3-generation baseball family, dies at 78

Bob Boone, the catcher who helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies to their first World Series title in 1980, died on Monday at the age of 78. Boone, a seven‑time Gold Glove winner and a member of baseball’s first three‑generation family, was announced as deceased by the Phillies and confirmed by his son, Bret Boone, on social media.

Boone’s career began with the Phillies, where he played ten seasons and caught 1,095 games—second only to Red Dooin on the franchise’s all‑time list. He later played for the California Angels and Kansas City Royals, catching a total of 2,225 games over 19 major‑league seasons. After his playing days, Boone managed the Royals and Cincinnati Reds, compiling a 371‑444 record, and later joined the Washington Nationals’ front office.

A native of San Diego, Boone was a three‑time National League All‑Star (1976, 1978, 1979) and led the Phillies with a .412 batting average during their 1980 World Series run. He is remembered for catching the final out of Game 6 when Tug McGraw struck out Willie Wilson, as well as for a memorable play in the same inning when a ball bounced off his mitt into Pete Rose’s glove.

Boone was inducted into the Phillies’ Wall of Fame in 2005 and was a key figure in the Angels’ playoff appearances in the 1980s. His legacy continues through his sons—Aaron Boone, who managed the New York Yankees, and Bret Boone, a three‑time All‑Star—and his grandson, Jake Boone, who works in the Mets’ front office. The Phillies, Angels, and Yankees all released statements honoring Boone’s integrity, leadership, and impact on the game.

Source: Bob Boone, World Series champion with Phillies and part of 3-generation baseball family, dies at 78