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Apr 21, 2025
10:06 PM
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At 96 years old, Bob Oldis is a true baseball lifer, having dedicated seven decades to the sport as a player, coach, and scout. Over the course of his career, Oldis played 135 games in the Major Leagues across seven seasons and spent 11 years in the Minor Leagues, participating in 1,044 games. He was a significant part of the Phillies organization from 1962 to 1967, including two seasons as a backup catcher, followed by three years as the bullpen coach and a year as a scout.
Oldis, born in Preston, Iowa, and raised in Iowa City, currently resides in Gilbert, Arizona. Reflecting on his life, he fondly shared, "Years after my first wife passed, I remarried on 12/12/12. I picked that date because its easy to remember. " He continued to enjoy the benefits of Arizona living, saying, "No more shoveling snow or wearing heavy winter coats Jordan Romano Jersey. I dont go to games anymore, but I still watch plenty on TV. And if we had bigger bases back when I played, I might have stolen some bases," he joked. "Todays players are stronger, faster, and train year-round. The heaviest thing we lifted back then was a bottle of beer!"
Oldis' journey to the Major Leagues began in a small town in Iowa, where his high school didnt even have a baseball team until his junior year. He didnt play in his senior year because of his early graduation but stayed involved in sports through fast-pitch softball and American Legion Junior Baseball. His father, a semi-pro player, sent him to a baseball camp in Cocoa, Florida, where he earned a spot in professional baseball.
Starting his career in 1949 with the Washington Senators Class D affiliate, Oldis was one of just nine players selected from a group of 200, though he received no signing bonus. He went on to play for several Minor League teams before making his Major League debut on April 28, 1953, as a substitute catcher for the Senators. In 1961, Oldis achieved a career highlight when he played in the World Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates, earning his first World Series ring.
In 1962, Oldis joined the Phillies, initially as a backup to starting catcher Clay Dalrymple. That season, Oldis hit a career-high. 263. Though he wasnt known for his speed, he recalled an amusing moment when he was caught stealing in a game but later singled and scored the game-winning run from second base. He jokingly remarked, "Pure speed!"
After the Phillies acquired catcher Gus Triandos, Oldis' playing days came to an end. However, his journey with the team didnt stop there Bryce Harper Jersey. He served as the bullpen coach from 1964 to 1966, before transitioning to a scout in 1967. Later, Oldis would also coach for the Minnesota Twins and Montreal Expos. As a scout for the Marlins in 2002, he earned his second World Series ring.
Besides baseball, Oldis stayed busy in the offseason, working various jobs to support his family. For over 50 years, he served as a high school basketball and football referee, a bench official for state basketball tournaments, and a chain-gang member for University of Iowa football games, all while also working for the Iowa State Highway Commission.
Known for his work ethic and humor, Bob Oldis made a lasting impact on baseball and the lives of those around him. Whether on the field, in the dugout, or in the scouting world, Oldis dedication and sense of humor continue to bring joy to many.
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