RIP - Bob Skinner

 

Bob Skinner, an outfielder for the Pirates and others from 1954 to 1966, passed away on May 4, 2026 at age 94.

Skinner was signed by the Pirates in 1951 and spent that season in the low minors. 

 

After missing 2 seasons to military service, he returned in 1954 and appeared in 132 games for Pittsburgh, including 116 starts at 1st base. 

 

He was back in the minors for all of 1955, but returned to the big club for good in 1956. He played over 100 games in each of the next 2 seasons as a backup outfielder and first baseman.

 

Skinner was the Bucs' everyday left fielder from 1958 to 1962, making 2 All-Star teams during those 5 seasons, as well as batting over .300 twice.  

 

In May 1963 he was traded to the Reds, and in June 1964 to the Cardinals. He finished his career in 1966, but never started more than 46 games a season for the Reds or Cards. 

 

After managing the Phillies' AAA team in 1967 and part of 1968, he managed the Phillies for the 2nd half of 1968 and the first half of 1969. He later spent many seasons as a Pirates' and Braves' coach.