Former Philadelphia Phillies Infielder, Minor League Manager, Dies at 93.
Bobby Malkmus, a former infielder for the Philadelphia Phillies and a respected figure in Major League Baseball (MLB), passed away on February 23, 2025, at the age of 93. His career spanned various roles, including player, coach, manager, and scout, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Early Life and Playing Career
Born on July 4, 1931, in Newark, New Jersey, Robert Edward Malkmus attended South Side High School, where he excelled in both basketball and baseball. Despite his athletic prowess, his relatively small stature led to limited attention from professional scouts. Undeterred, Malkmus signed with the Boston Braves in 1951, marking the beginning of his professional baseball journey.
Malkmus made his MLB debut on June 1, 1957, with the Milwaukee Braves. He later played for the Washington Senators before joining the Philadelphia Phillies, where he spent the majority of his major league career. As a versatile infielder, Malkmus appeared in 208 games for the Phillies between 1960 and 1962. His most productive season came in 1961, when he played in 121 games, batted .231, hit seven home runs, and recorded 31 runs batted in.
Post-Playing Career
After retiring as a player, Malkmus transitioned into management and scouting, contributing significantly to the development of future baseball talents. He managed in the minor leagues for nine seasons (1967–1975), achieving a managerial record of 508 wins and 463 losses, including one championship. His managerial career included stints with the Phillies, Montreal Expos, and Baltimore Orioles organizations.
Malkmus continued his involvement in baseball as a scout for the Cleveland Indians and San Diego Padres, based in Union, New Jersey. His keen eye for talent and dedication to the sport were evident throughout his scouting career, which extended into the mid-2000s. Remarkably, he continued to scout part-time for Cleveland as of 2017 until 2025, demonstrating his enduring passion for baseball.
Legacy
Bobby Malkmus’s lifelong dedication to baseball, from his days as a player to his roles in management and scouting, showcases a career marked by versatility and commitment. His contributions to the Phillies and the broader baseball community are remembered with respect and admiration. Malkmus’s legacy serves as an inspiration to those who aspire to a lifelong involvement in the sport, reflecting a profound love for baseball that spanned decades.
