Bob Boone, 1980 Phillies catcher, dies at 78

Bob Boone, the catcher who anchored the Philadelphia Phillies' 1980 World Series victory, died Tuesday at the age of 78. His son, former major league infielder Bret Boone, shared the news on Facebook, describing his father as a man of great integrity.

Boone played for the Phillies for 10 seasons, from 1972 through 1981. He was a central figure in the team's first championship and was widely regarded as one of the best defensive catchers of his time.

The player's 19-year major league career included four All-Star selections and seven Gold Glove Awards. He finished with a .254 batting average, 105 home runs, and 826 runs batted in.

Baseball ran in the family. His father, Ray Boone, also played in the majors. Two of Bob Boone's three sons followed his path into professional baseball. Bret Boone earned three All-Star nods, while Aaron Boone played in the majors before becoming the current manager of the New York Yankees.

After his playing days ended, Bob Boone managed the Kansas City Royals and the Cincinnati Reds. The Phillies recognized his contributions by inducting him into the team's Wall of Fame in 2005.