Bob Boone, a decorated catcher and patriarch of a Major League Baseball family, has died at the age of 78. His passing was confirmed by former teammate Greg Luzinski, who played with Boone on the 1980 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies.
Boone was a key figure in baseball's only three-generation family lineage of players. His father, Ray Boone, was a journeyman infielder, and his sons, Bret and Aaron Boone, also achieved Major League careers. Aaron Boone currently manages the New York Yankees.
Over a 19-season career from 1972 to 1990, Boone played in 2,225 games as a catcher for the Phillies, California Angels, and Kansas City Royals, ranking third all-time in games played at the position. His defensive prowess was recognized with seven Gold Glove awards, placing him among the elite catchers in MLB history, trailing only Iván Rodríguez, Johnny Bench, and Yadier Molina.
Boone was also behind the plate for significant achievements by pitchers, including three of Steve Carlton's Cy Young Award-winning seasons in Philadelphia and one of Bret Saberhagen's Cy Young campaigns with the Royals.
Following his playing career, Boone transitioned into managing. He led the Kansas City Royals from 1995 to 1997 and later managed the Cincinnati Reds from 2001 to 2003, during which time he coached his son, Aaron.
Bob Boone was preceded in death by his father, Ray, who passed away in 2004 at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife, Sue, and his sons Bret and Aaron.