 12/03/2003 1:59 PM ET
Bob Boone back with Phils
Former catcher returns to club as scout
PHILADELPHIA -- Bob Boone, who began his playing career with the Phillies and was a member of the 1980 World Series championship team, has returned to the organization as a special assignment scout.
The 56-year-old Boone spent the past 2 1/2 seasons managing the Cincinnati Reds. He was hired in 2001 and lasted until July 28, when the Reds were 46-58. From 1995-1997 Boone guided the Royals.
In his new position, Boone will continue to live on the West Coast.
Best known to Phillies fans as the catcher on the team that defeated the Royals in six-game Series, one Boone highlight stands out.
With one out and the bases loaded, Tug McGraw induced a popup in foul territory between home and first base, and Boone and Pete Rose converged on the ball. Boone got there first, but the ball popped out of his glove, and into Rose's for the second out. McGraw then struck out Willie Wilson and the Phillies captured the first World Series in franchise history.
Boone, a four-time All-Star and seven-time Gold Glove winner, hit .254 over 19 seasons -- the first 10 with the Phillies. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 1969 draft and debuted late in the 1972 season. Along with Mike Schmidt, Larry Bowa and Greg Luzinski, they formed a nucleus of homegrown players.
Boone is part of only three three-generation baseball families (the others are the Bells and Hairstons). His father Ray was an American League infielder, and sons Bret and Aaron play with the Mariners and Yankees, respectively.
Bob Boone is also the second former manager to join the Phillies family this year. Former Indians skipper Charlie Manuel joined the organization as a special assistant to the general manager in January, and will begin his second season in 2004.
Ken Mandel is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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