Bob Boone, part of MLB's 1st 3-generation family, dies at 78 - ESPN

PHILADELPHIA — Bob Boone, the catcher on the Philadelphia Phillies' first World Series championship team who won seven Gold Gloves and was part of baseball's first three-generation family, has died. He was 78.

Boone's son, Bret, announced his father's death Tuesday on social media. No cause of death was announced.

«He was a man of great integrity. He was a great dad, husband, and patriarch. It was a privilege to call him my father. Baseball lost a great one today,» Bret Boone wrote.

Bob Boone spent his first 10 seasons with the Phillies, played seven with the California Angels and two with the Kansas City Royals. He also managed the Royals and Cincinnati Reds.

«Bob was an incredible player, teammate and family man,» the Phillies said in a statement. «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.

My dad- He was my mentor, my coach, my rock. He taught me how to be a pro and more importantly, how to be a man. He was one of the highest integrity people I've ever known and I'm going to miss him dearly. Baseball lost a great one yesterday. R.I.P dad, I love you❤️ https://t.co/4NtYAwXIv3

MLB, in a statement, called the Boones „one of baseball's most historic families.“

His father, Ray, played 13 seasons in the majors and was a two-time All-Star with the Detroit Tigers. Bob Boone's two sons both enjoyed long baseball careers: Aaron Boone played 13 seasons in the majors and played for the Reds when Bob managed the team; Bret Boone was a three-time