Phillies

RIP Bob Boone

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Nov 10th, 2026 · 12:44 PM EST

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World Series champion Bob Boone died.

Here’s the Phils’ statement:

The Phillies are saddened to learn of the passing of former catcher and Wall of Famer Bob Boone yesterday. He was 78.

Bob was an incredible player, teammate and family man. He embodied everything we believe exemplary athletes should represent, both on and off the field. We were proud to have him as part of the Phillies family during one of the most historic runs in team history. His impact on our organization, his teammates, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him will never be forgotten.

Boone, who spent the first 10 seasons of his 19-year major league playing career with the Phillies from 1972-81, was selected by the club in the sixth round of the 1969 MLB Draft out of Stanford University. He was a member of the 1980 World Series championship team and was inducted to the organization’s Wall of Fame in 2005.

A native of San Diego, Boone made his big league debut with the Phillies on Sept. 10, 1972. Over the course of his career, Boone started over 2,000 games behind the plate, and at the time of his retirement in 1990, he held the record for most games caught in major league history with 2,225. As a Phillie, his 1,095 games at catcher remain the third most in franchise history.

Boone earned seven Gold Glove Awards, which ranks fourth among catchers all time. He was selected to four All-Star Games, three of which came while playing for the Phillies (1976; 1978-79), including the 1976 Midsummer Classic held in Philadelphia at Veterans Stadium.

During the 1980 Fall Classic against the Kansas City Royals, Boone batted .412 with two doubles, four runs batted in and four walks. He secured the final pitch delivered by closer Tug McGraw to clinch the Phillies’ first-ever World Series championship.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Bob’s beloved wife Sue, his sons Bret, Aaron and Matt, his extended family and friends and former teammates at this difficult time.

Boone really had himself a stellar World Series back in 1980. The release mentions that he hit .412, which was actually the higher than anybody not named Del Unser, who had six at-bats. Larry Bowa hit .375, Mike Schmidt .381, and Pete Rose .261. Add in the walks and Boone finished with a 1.029 OPS in six games vs. the Royals en route to a championship. It was good to see him inducted into the Wall of Fame, deservingly, after Schmidt, Bowa, Carlton, McGraw, and a bunch of other guys from that era got in.

Aaron Boone and Bret Boone both became MLB players, and had long careers. Aaron ended up coaching the Yankees, while Bob’s third son, Matt played minor league baseball. He’s got a grandson as well, Jake Boone (Bret’s son), who works in the Mets’ front office. Talk a baseball family.

MLB Network did a really nice tribute that’s worth checking out. RIP Bob Boone: