Bob Skinner, World Series Champion and Manager, Dies at 94

Key facts

• Bob Skinner, a 12-year MLB veteran, died on Tuesday at age 94.
• Skinner won the World Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960.
• He also won a World Series championship with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964.
• Skinner was a two-time All-Star and received MVP votes during his career.
• He later became an award-winning minor league manager and MLB coach.
• Skinner earned a third World Series championship as a batting coach for the Pirates in 1979.
• His son, Joel Skinner, also managed in Major League Baseball.

A Champion's Passing

The St. Louis Cardinals, one of baseball's most storied franchises, are among those mourning the loss of a former championship player. Bob Skinner, a veteran outfielder who played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball and was part of three World Series-winning teams, has died at the age of 94. on Tuesday. Skinner's career spanned significant eras of baseball, marked by both individual accolades and team success. He was a two-time All-Star and garnered MVP Award consideration in multiple seasons, showcasing his impact on the field. Beyond his playing days, Skinner transitioned into a successful career as a manager and coach, leaving a lasting legacy within the sport.

World Series Pedigree

Skinner first tasted championship glory in 1960 as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he spent the majority of his playing career. During his nine seasons with the Pirates, he established himself as a reliable outfielder, contributing to their World Series triumph that year. His World Series collection expanded in 1964 when he helped the St. Louis Cardinals secure a championship. In a memorable performance during that series against the New York Yankees, Skinner posted impressive offensive numbers in limited at-bats, batting.667 with a.750 on-base percentage. His journey to St. Louis involved a trade from the Cincinnati Reds, where he had been playing behind future Hall of Famer Frank Robinson. The move to the Cardinals initially saw him inserted into the starting lineup, though a significant trade for Lou Brock later led to a bench role.

From Player to Mentor

Following his playing career, which concluded with the Cardinals, Skinner embarked on a new chapter as a manager. He achieved considerable success in the minor leagues, earning awards for his tutelage of young players within the Philadelphia Phillies organization. His coaching expertise was later sought by several Major League Baseball teams, including the San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, and California Angels. His ability to guide hitters was recognized when he returned to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a second stint as batting coach. It was in this role that Skinner earned his third World Series championship in 1979, cementing his status as a winner across different capacities within the game.

A Baseball Family

The Skinner name remained prominent in baseball circles due to the career of his son, Joel Skinner. In 2002, Bob and Joel Skinner achieved a unique distinction, becoming only the second father-and-son combination in Major League Baseball history to manage at the highest level. Joel Skinner was appointed manager of the Cleveland Indians that year, following in his father's footsteps. This parallel managerial path underscores the deep connection the Skinner family has to the sport. As of 2011, Bob Skinner and his wife, Joan, resided in the San Diego area. The couple had four sons: Robert, Craig, Andrew, and Joel, each contributing to the family's enduring presence in baseball.

The bottom line

• Bob Skinner, a three-time World Series champion and former MLB player and manager, has died at 94.
• Skinner won World Series titles as a player with the Pittsburgh Pirates (1960) and St. Louis Cardinals (1964).
• He was a two-time All-Star outfielder and received MVP votes during his playing career.
• Skinner transitioned to a successful coaching career, winning a third World Series as a batting coach for the Pirates in 1979.
• He and his son, Joel Skinner, are one of only two father-son duos to have managed in Major League Baseball.
• Skinner's career highlights include a.280 batting average over 1,100 games with the Pirates.