Full Breakdown
Bob Skinner, Three-Time World Series Champion, Dies at 94
5/6/2026, 6:53:59 PM
Passing of a Pirates Legend
Bob Skinner died on Monday, May 4, 2024, at age 94 in San Diego. The Pirates confirmed his death; cause not disclosed. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan, sons Mark, Craig, Drew and Joel, and grandchildren—sources list eight or eleven, with some adding 18 great-grandchildren.
Early Life, Military Service
Born October 3, 1931, in La Jolla, California, Skinner starred at La Jolla High School and San Diego Junior College, hitting .411 in one season. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1951-53, earning the National Defense Service Medal, then signed with the Pirates and debuted in 1954.
Playing Career and Championships
Skinner played nine of his 12 MLB seasons with Pittsburgh (1954-63), batting left-handed and earning All-Star honors in 1958 and twice in 1960, the 1960 World Series year. He was traded to Cincinnati (1963) and St. Louis (1964), winning a second championship. He posted a .277 average, 103 homers, 531 RBIs and 1,198 hits; his 1958 line included a .321 average, 13 homers, 70 RBIs, 93 runs, 12 steals and an .879 OPS.
Coaching and Scouting
After retiring in 1966, Skinner managed the Phillies’ Triple-A club (1967) and was Philadelphia’s manager (1968-69), with a record reported as 92-123 or 93-123. He returned to Pittsburgh as batting coach (1974-76, 1979-85) and third-base coach in 1985, helping the 1979 “We Are Family” World Series win. He coached the Padres, Angels and Braves before scouting for Astros until 2009. His son Joel later managed Cleveland Indians, joining a five-father-son pair of MLB managers.
Official Statements
Pirates chairman Bob Nutting called Skinner “an important part of one of the most beloved teams in our storied history” and praised him as a “talented player, a proud Pirate and a respected member of the baseball community.” The organization extended condolences to his family and friends.
Conflicting Reports
Sources differ on the number of Skinner’s grandchildren—some list eight, others eleven with great-grandchildren. The cause of death remains undisclosed, and his managerial record is cited as both 92-123 and 93-123.
Verbatim Quotes
- “As a member of the 1960 World Series championship team, Bob was an important part of one of the most beloved teams in our storied history and helped deliver a moment that will forever be woven into the fabric of our city,” — Bob Nutting, Pirates Chairman
- “[Skinner is] absolutely the best natural hitter I have seen in many years.” — Branch Rickey, former Pirates GM
- “RIP Bob Skinner, 94, who was an outfielder in 9 of his 12 MLB seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, including their 1960 World Series championship team,” — Bob Nightengale, MLB columnist
- “Sad news for the game ?,” — Anonymous fan, X
