Bob Skinner

Robert Ralph Skinner (October 3, 1931 – May 4, 2026) was an American professional baseball left fielder, first baseman, manager, coach, and scout whose career in the game spanned more than 50 years. Born in San Diego, California, he played baseball at La Jolla High School, where he batted .302 as a senior and earned All-League honors. Pittsburgh Pirates scout Tom Downey, seeing potential in his swing, arranged for Skinner to develop in semi-professional Sunday league play. At his father's urging — the elder Skinner was a Spanish and French teacher who wanted his son to attend college — he enrolled at San Diego Junior College, hitting .411 for the school's team before leaving after one year to sign with Pittsburgh through Downey.

Skinner began his professional career in 1951, playing 98 games for the Class B Waco Pirates. He went on to play 12 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1954 to 1966, appearing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals. During his career he won three World Series and was named an All-Star in two seasons with the Pirates. After his playing days, he managed the Philadelphia Phillies and the San Diego Padres, and also worked as a coach and scout, remaining in the game for over half a century.