Bob Boone, the former Cincinnati Reds manager and longtime major league catcher, has died at 78, according to reports.
Boone led the Reds from 2001 to 2003, finishing his time in Cincinnati with 190 wins and 238 losses over 2 1/2 seasons. Before that, he managed the Kansas City Royals from 1995 to 1997.
The Boone name runs deep in baseball, and Bob was the father of Bret and Aaron, both former big-league players.
Former Reds general manager Jim Bowden shared his thoughts on X, writing: "Prayers, condolences and thoughts to the Boone family on the passing of Bob," Bowden wrote on X. "He was a leader as a player, coach and manager...a great son husband father grandfather...gold glove catcher...loved baseball and family at an elite level...high class and character special human being...blessed to have spent many years with him🙏🏻⚾️❤️"
Former Mets catcher Mike Piazza also posted a message on X about Boone.
"My deep prayers and condolences to the family of Bob Boone, Bret, Aaron and the rest," Piazza wrote. "I grew up watching Bob with the great teams of the 70’s..
His play and mastery of catching inspired me to want to play the position.. God Bless.."
Long before he became a manager, Boone built a standout playing résumé. He was selected in the sixth round of the 1969 MLB Draft out of Stanford University and made his major league debut with Philadelphia on September 10, 1972, going 0-for-2 against the Chicago Cubs.
He spent 1972 through 1981 with the Phillies, then closed out his career with seven seasons for the California Angels and two with the Royals.
In 19 big-league seasons, Boone hit .254/.315/.346 with 105 home runs. He was a four-time All-Star in 1976, 1978, 1979 and 1982, and he won six Gold Gloves, with the source listing those honors in 1978, 1979, 1982, 1986, 1987, 1988 and 1989.
Boone retired in 1990 at 42. His final game with the Royals came with a 2-for-3 line and an RBI.
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