Bob Skinner, former Pirates outfielder and coach who won 2 World Series with club, dies at 94

May 5, 2026 - 19:40

Bob Skinner, a former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder and longtime coach who helped the club win two World Series titles, has died. He was 94.

Skinner played 12 seasons in the major leagues, spending the bulk of his career with the Pirates from 1954 to 1963. A three-time All-Star, he was a steady presence in left field and at the plate. He hit .277 for his career with 103 home runs and 531 RBIs. His best season came in 1958 when he batted .309 with 13 homers and 56 RBIs.

He was a key part of the Pirates' 1960 World Series championship team, which beat the New York Yankees in seven games. Skinner hit .304 in that series. He later won another ring with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964, though he was traded midseason and appeared in only 29 games for them that year.

After his playing days ended, Skinner turned to coaching. He served as a hitting instructor and bench coach for several teams, including a return to the Pirates in the 1970s. He also managed the Philadelphia Phillies for parts of two seasons in 1968 and 1969, posting a 92-123 record.

Skinner was born in La Jolla, California, and played college baseball at San Diego State before signing with the Pirates. His son, Joel Skinner, also played in the majors and later managed the Cleveland Indians on an interim basis.

The Pirates confirmed his passing but did not release a cause of death.