Former MLB catcher Bob Boone, Nationals executive, dies at 78

Bob Boone, a former Major League Baseball catcher known for winning seven Gold Glove Awards, has died at the age of 78, according to multiple reports including WHORadio and KUBE 93.3. Boone played for the Philadelphia Phillies, California Angels, and Kansas City Royals during his 19-year career.

Boone was a key player for the Philadelphia Phillies' first World Series championship team in 1980 and caught 2,225 games, ranking third all-time in games caught. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Baseball Wall of Fame in 2005, as reported by iHeart outlets.

Beyond his playing career, Boone managed the Royals and Cincinnati Reds and later joined the Washington Nationals' front office in 2005. He contributed to the Nationals' first World Series win in 2019 before resigning in 2021 due to the team's COVID-19 vaccine mandate, according to WHORadio and other sources.

Boone was part of Major League Baseball's first three-generation family of All-Stars, with his father Ray Boone and his sons Bret and Aaron Boone, the latter currently managing the New York Yankees. His son Bret confirmed his death on social media, expressing admiration for his father.

The Phillies and Angels released statements honoring Boone's contributions to baseball and offering condolences to his family, as reported by BND and other outlets.