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Bobby Malkmus, a former infielder for the Philadelphia Phillies and a dedicated figure in the world of baseball, passed away at the age of 93. His funeral service was held on February 27, 2025, at McCracken Funeral Home in Union, New Jersey, where family, friends, and those who knew him best gathered to honor his remarkable life. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Malkmus lived and breathed baseball, leaving behind a legacy that continues through his son James, four grandsons, and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, and daughter, Robin.
The Baseball World That Lasted for Decades
Malkmus began baseball in 1957, entering the major leagues with the Milwaukee Braves. Coincidentally, it was the same year that Braves clinched the World Series, although Malkmus played only a hand full of games. This began a journey for him which led him to the Washington Senators and finally to the Philadelphia Phillies, where he spent the bulk of his playing career.
In 1961 he got noticed when he played 121 games for the Phillies. That year Malkmus batted .231 with seven home runs and 31 RBIs. He was an infielder showing great versatility while contributing consistently, earning him an NL MVP vote in recognition of how important he was on the field.
Steady Throughout
Over a six-year career in the majors, Malkmus compiled a batting average of .215. In every way, his statistics might have looked ordinary, yet his contribution was anything but ordinary. He was a player most trusted by managers and relied upon by his teammates, quietly appreciated by the fans. With good infield skills and a keen sense of the game, Malkmus proved to be a steady clubhouse presence ready to contribute.
He would never forget the grand slam he hit for his first home run—against the likes of Sam Jones of the San Francisco Giants, providing a historic moment that showed how the least-publicized player can shine in the limelight.
From Player to Guru: A Legacy Personified
With a career that mirrored resilience and adaptability, Malkmus did well after having been drafted by the Washington Senators in the 1957 Rule 5 Draft and finding his way to the minor leagues. In 1959, he batted .300 with 16 home runs while playing for the Denver Bears, a performance that gilded the pill for being brought up to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1960.
Malkmus was practically unknown but made the most of any opportunity. His defensive skills and baseball intelligence made him an asset, not to mention his transition from player to veteran scout, which said much about his dedication to the game.
A Life Lived, a Legacy Remembered
The story of Bobby Malkmus epitomizes perseverance, mentoring, and an unwavering love for baseball. An ordinary player in baseball's royal court, he was a giver-a player who gave a lot to the game and to those whose lives he touched along the way. The baseball world mourns his departure, while his legacy lives on in the memory of the generations of players he has inspired and the family he cherished.
Clear of the field, Bobby Malkmus would never be forgotten for his contributions to the game and to all those around him.
