Bob Skinner – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Bob Skinner’s name might not ring out through baseball history quite like some of his peers, but if you look at his 12-year Major League Baseball career, you’ll spot a talented player who helped the Pittsburgh Pirates win one of their most unforgettable World Series championships.

Born in La Jolla, California, in 1931, Skinner broke into the majors in 1954. He spent over a decade showing off his skills as both an outfielder and first baseman for three National League teams.

Skinner called it a career in 1966 after spending his last season as a pinch-hitter for the St. Louis Cardinals. That wrapped up a run from 1954 to 1966.

His journey in baseball took him from the Pittsburgh Pirates—where he enjoyed his biggest moments—to the Cincinnati Reds, and finally to St. Louis, where he finished up at 35.

The left-handed hitter finished with a .277 career batting average. He played a key role in Pittsburgh’s 1960 World Series win, but that’s just one part of his baseball story.

From his early days learning the outfield after starting as a first baseman to his spot in one of baseball’s most dramatic championship runs, Skinner’s career gives us a glimpse into the dedication and adaptability it took to succeed at the top level during the sport’s golden age.

Early Life and Background

Robert Ralph Skinner was born on October 3, 1931, in La Jolla, California, to Ralph and Lula Skinner.

His dad, an educator and coach, shaped his early athletic development. Bob’s high school achievements in several sports showed the natural talent that would eventually steer him toward professional baseball.

Family and Childhood in La Jolla

Robert Ralph Skinner grew up in the coastal community of La Jolla, California, where Ralph and Lula Skinner raised their family.

His father, Ralph, worked as a Spanish teacher at the local high school. That brought a foundation of discipline and learning into their home.

Ralph Skinner also coached track and field at the school, so Bob got an early taste of competitive sports and the dedication it demanded.

Having a coach at home meant Bob learned a lot about teamwork, practice, and sticking with it.

Growing up in La Jolla in the 1930s and 1940s, Bob lived a childhood shaped by both academic expectations and athletic opportunities.

His dad’s dual role as educator and coach created an environment where physical achievement and mental growth went hand in hand.

High School Athletics

At La Jolla High School, Bob Skinner made a name for himself as a standout athlete in several sports.

He earned two varsity letters in baseball, showing consistent performance and leadership on the field.

His baseball skills caught the eyes of coaches and scouts during those high school years.

But he didn’t just stick to baseball—he played basketball too. That multi-sport approach helped him build overall athleticism, coordination, and a real competitive edge.

The experience of playing different sports shaped his physical development and his understanding of all kinds of competitive situations.

Skinner’s high school baseball play got him spots on two all-star teams. Those honors reflected his rising reputation as one of the area’s most promising young players.

His achievements at La Jolla High School set the stage for his move into college athletics.

Pathway to Professional Baseball

After high school, Skinner took his athletic and academic journey to San Diego Junior College.

He kept up his multi-sport approach, joining both the basketball and baseball teams there.

This steady development helped him refine his skills and physical abilities.

His play in college baseball caught the attention of pro scouts. Pittsburgh Pirates scouts Tom Downey and Art Billings spotted Skinner as a promising prospect while he was at San Diego Junior College.

The scouts liked his potential as a left-handed hitter with real upside.

In 1951, at 19, Skinner signed his first pro contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. That moment kicked off a baseball journey that would last over 50 years.

His path from La Jolla High School to the pros showed the natural progression of a talented athlete, boosted by family support and educational opportunities.

Major League Baseball Career Overview

Bob Skinner played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball from 1954 to 1966. He mainly played outfield and first base for three National League teams.

He spent most of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, then wrapped up with the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals.

Debut and Early Years with the Pittsburgh Pirates

Bob Skinner made his MLB debut on April 13, 1954, with the Pittsburgh Pirates at 22.

He signed with the Pirates in 1951 but spent two years in military service before reaching the majors.

During his rookie year, Skinner served as the Pirates’ regular first baseman, starting 116 games at the spot.

The left-handed batter and right-handed thrower stood 6’4″ and weighed 190 pounds.

After his debut, Skinner spent some time back in the minors in 1955. He returned to Pittsburgh in 1956 and stayed with the team through 1963, carving out a solid role in the NL.

The Pirates used Skinner’s versatility all over the field. He played 893 games in left field, 151 at first base, 56 in right field, and even 2 at third base during his career.

Peak Seasons and Achievements

Skinner’s best season came in 1962 with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He hit .302 that year and belted 20 home runs—his most productive offensive year.

His biggest team moment happened during the 1960 World Series championship with PIT. He got hurt in Game 1 and couldn’t return until Game 7.

He finished the series with 1 hit in 5 at-bats, plus a walk, a hit-by-pitch, and a stolen base.

Skinner made three All-Star teams in his career—in 1958 and twice in 1960. Those honors showed how important he was to the Pirates’ success.

Over 12 years, he put up a .277 batting average with 1,198 hits. He added 197 doubles, 58 triples, and 103 home runs with 531 RBIs.

Stints with Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals

Bob Skinner shifted into a reserve role during his last three-and-a-half seasons.

The Cincinnati Reds picked him up in 1963, and he served as a pinch hitter and backup outfielder through 1964.

His time with CIN marked a big change—he wasn’t a regular starter but came off the bench in key spots.

The St. Louis Cardinals brought Skinner in for 1964, and he kept up his reserve duties through 1966.

His veteran presence added value during the Cardinals’ championship run.

During the 1964 World Series with St. Louis, Skinner shined as a pinch hitter. He got hits in two of three at-bats for a .667 average, helping the team win his second World Series title.

Skinner played his last MLB game on September 24, 1966, against the Philadelphia Phillies.

He retired with a career fielding percentage of .977 and the distinction of winning three World Series titles (1960, 1964, and later 1979 as a coach).

Notable Accomplishments and Honors

Bob Skinner earned recognition as a skilled major league player through multiple All-Star selections and World Series championships.

His career featured standout moments and important contributions to championship teams across different franchises.

All-Star Selections

Skinner made three All-Star teams during his career, appearing in 1958, 1960, and the second 1960 All-Star Game.

His most notable nod came in 1958, when he started as the National League’s left fielder.

That year, he posted a .321 batting average—his best season at the plate.

This performance put him among the top outfielders in the National League during the late ’50s.

The 1960 All-Star picks came during a strong stretch with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Those honors reflected his steady offense and solid defense in left field.

World Series Championships

Skinner won three World Series championships during his playing days, each with a different team.

His first ring came with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960, though an injury kept him out until Game 7.

He managed 1 hit in 5 at-bats, plus a walk, hit-by-pitch, and a stolen base in that series.

He picked up his second championship with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964. In that series, Skinner excelled as a pinch hitter, batting .667 with hits in two of three at-bats.

Distinctive Career Highlights

Skinner set a major league record for first basemen with eight assists in one game during his 1954 rookie season.

That defensive feat showed he could do more than just play the outfield.

In 1956, he led the National League with 54 pinch-hitting appearances. That stat proved his value as a reliable bench player and situational hitter.

Skinner put up three seasons with a .300 average or better while with Pittsburgh.

His career totals included 1,198 hits, 103 home runs, and 531 RBIs over 12 seasons.

In 1976, the San Diego Hall of Champions inducted Skinner into the Breitbard Hall of Fame, honoring his impact on San Diego athletics.

Statistical Overview and Playing Style

Bob Skinner finished with a .277 career batting average, 103 home runs, and 531 RBIs in 1,381 games over 12 years.

His 16.6 WAR shows he contributed well on both offense and defense. His peak years in 1958 and 1962 really showcased his all-around game.

Career Batting and Fielding Metrics

Skinner’s offensive numbers stayed steady through his career.

He racked up 1,198 hits in 4,318 at-bats, including 197 doubles and 58 triples.

His best year came in 1958, when he hit .321 with 170 hits and 93 runs scored.

His OPS ranged from .609 to .899 over the years. The 1958 season brought his highest OPS at .879, while 1962 saw him hit .899 with a .302 average.

Those peak years earned him All-Star nods and MVP consideration.

Skinner’s plate discipline improved as he played more. He drew 485 walks while striking out 646 times.

He posted a .351 career on-base percentage, showing his knack for getting on base.

Offensive and Defensive Contributions

Skinner’s versatility made him valuable all over the field.

He mainly played left field but handled first base and right field when needed.

That defensive flexibility let managers mix up lineups based on matchups.

His offensive contributions peaked when Pittsburgh was competitive.

In 1958, he drove in 70 runs and scored 93 times. His 4.4 WAR that year was among the team’s best.

Skinner’s speed added another element to his game. He stole 67 bases in his career, with double-digit totals in three seasons.

His smart base-running helped keep innings alive and create scoring chances.

Key Rankings in MLB

During his era, Skinner ranked well in several offensive categories among National League players.

His 1958 All-Star selection followed a 15th-place finish in MVP voting. In 1962, he finished 22nd in MVP balloting.

His career WAR of 16.6 puts him among the productive everyday players of the 1950s and 1960s.

That number reflects his combined offensive and defensive value over 12 seasons.

Skinner’s 103 career home runs and 531 RBIs stand as solid power numbers for his position at the time.

He could hit for average and provide some pop, making him a valuable bat in the middle of the lineup throughout his career.

Transition and Retirement in 1966

Bob Skinner’s final season with the St. Louis Cardinals marked the end of his 13-year Major League Baseball career, running from 1954 to 1966.

He shifted from regular player to pinch-hitting specialist, then retired after the 1966 season at age 34.

Final Season Highlights

Skinner played his final season with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1966, stepping up as a veteran presence and situational player. He got into 49 games during the regular season, mainly pinch hitting or backing up in the outfield.

He didn’t get much playing time, and his offensive numbers showed it. Skinner had 45 at-bats that year.

He managed 7 hits, with just 1 double and 1 homer, and wrapped up the season with a .156 batting average.

In clutch situations, Skinner’s experience really mattered. He drove in 5 runs and scored 2 more.

At home, he played 27 games and got 25 at-bats. On the road, he appeared in 22 games and tallied 20 at-bats.

Skinner’s last season showed how his role shifted from everyday player to a specialist. Even off the bench, he found ways to contribute, using the baseball knowledge he’d picked up over more than a decade in the majors.

Legacy and Impact on Baseball

When Bob Skinner retired in 1966, he wrapped up a career with a .277 lifetime batting average, 103 home runs, and 531 RBIs across 1,381 games. Over 13 years with three National League teams, he earned a reputation as a steady contributor.

But Skinner didn’t stop with playing. He spent about 50 years in pro baseball, shifting into coaching, managing, and scouting. He just couldn’t stay away from the game.

He won two World Series championships with the Pittsburgh Pirates, which really highlighted the team’s competitive years. Skinner’s ability to play both outfield and first base made him a valuable asset for every club he joined.

Younger players noticed his professional approach and baseball smarts. When he moved from player to executive, he showed just how much respect he’d earned in the sport’s community.

Personal Life and Legacy

Bob Skinner’s influence in baseball stretched well past his playing career, and he even helped create a family dynasty in the sport. Baseball organizations and fans still remember what he brought to the game.

Family Connections in Baseball

Skinner’s baseball legacy didn’t end with him. His son Joel Skinner followed his path, making it to the majors as a catcher from 1983 to 1991. Joel played for teams like the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, and Cleveland Indians.

That father-son duo pulled off something pretty rare in baseball history. Both Bob and Joel got the chance to be managed by or play alongside Hall of Fame pitcher Steve Carlton at different points in their careers.

After his playing days, Joel moved into coaching and managing, just like his dad. He coached for several MLB teams and managed in the minors.

The Skinner family’s impact on baseball has lasted for decades. Their story connects generations of fans and players in a way that just feels special.

Recognition Beyond the Field

Bob Skinner racked up a bunch of career achievements that people still talk about in baseball record books and historical accounts. Sites like Baseball Reference keep his stats alive for anyone curious enough to look them up.

During his rookie season, Skinner pulled off eight assists in a single game at first base. That’s still a standout moment in MLB history, honestly.

He showed off some serious versatility and athleticism early on. Not everyone can say they did something like that right out of the gate.

Skinner made three All-Star teams and played a big role in the Pirates’ 1960 World Series win. That pretty much cemented his spot in Pittsburgh baseball legend.

Pirates fans and baseball historians still talk about what he did for that championship team. It’s hard to forget moments like those.

For over 50 years, Skinner stayed involved in baseball as a player, manager, coach, and scout. You don’t see that kind of dedication every day.

The baseball community respects him for sticking with the sport for a lifetime. That kind of commitment is rare, and people notice.