Bob Skinner, the smooth-swinging, left-handed outfielder who helped the Pittsburgh Pirates topple the New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series and later returned to the club as a longtime coach, died Monday at 94. The Pirates confirmed his passing, noting that Skinner earned World Series rings with the franchise both as a player in 1960 and as a coach in 1979. He spent most of his 12-year big-league career in Pittsburgh and stayed tied to the organization for decades.
Team statement
According to MLB.com, Pirates chairman Bob Nutting called Skinner "an important part of one of the most beloved teams in our storied history" and extended the club's "deepest condolences" to his family. The team said Skinner died in San Diego and is survived by his wife, Joan, his sons Mark, Craig, Drew, and Joel, and eight grandchildren.
Career at a glance
Skinner broke in with the Pirates in 1954 and went on to spend nine of his 12 major-league seasons in Pittsburgh, earning National League All-Star selections in 1958 and 1960, per Baseball-Reference. He later played for the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals before retiring after the 1966 season.
From player to coach
Once his playing days ended, Skinner moved into managing and coaching in both the minors and majors, including a stint as a manager in the Phillies system in 1968 and 1969. He eventually circled back to Pittsburgh as the Pirates' batting coach from 1974 to 1976 and again from 1979 to 1985, according to WTAE. He was on the coaching staff for the 1979 World Series champions, giving him the rare distinction of owning two rings with the same franchise in two different roles.
Legacy and family
Skinner was remembered for a steady, disciplined presence at the plate and a "pretty swing" that, as SI reported, helped link the Pirates' championship eras. He is survived by his children, including son Joel Skinner, himself a former major leaguer and coach. The club said it plans to share more remembrances of Skinner in the days ahead.
