THE PRIDE OF PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
THE JACKIE ROBINSON STATUTE
DEDICATED NOVEMBER 29, 2017 - THE ROSE BOWL
GO VISIT!
THE PRIDE OF PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
THE JACKIE ROBINSON STATUTE
DEDICATED NOVEMBER 29, 2017 - THE ROSE BOWL
GO VISIT!
Pasadena Sports Hall of Fame
Bob exceeded expectations during his rookie season. He played 20 games earning him a .391 average by seasons end. His most productive season came in the 1962; in 129 games for the Houston Astros he batted .249 with 114 hits, and scored 38 runs.
Bob's retired from the big leagues after the 1967 season.
After retiring as a player, Bob Lillis was a scout for the Houston Astros from 1968 to 1970, served as the team's director of minor league instruction in 1972, and a was member of the coaching staff between 1973 and 1982. In 1982, he replaced Bill Virdon as the club's skipper, a job he held for three seasons.
Between 1986 and 1996, Mr. Lillis was a member of the San Francisco Giants coaching staff.
Honors
1948
Foothill League Player of the Year
All-San Gabriel Valley
All-CIF Southern Section
1982
Houston Astros Manager
Born in Altadena, California, Bob Lillis was an outstanding shortstop for Pasadena High School in the late 1940's. He earned All-Foothill League, League Player of the Year, and All-CIF and All-Southern California honors.
After high school, the 5'10 160 lbs. shortstop attended Pasadena City College before settling in at the University of Southern California. While he excelled as a Trojan, he went unpicked during the MLB Draft.
In 1951, Mr. Lillis was offered a contract as an un-drafted free agent by the Brooklyn Dodgers; his salary was $11,000 a year.
Bob spent seven years in the minor leagues before the Dodgers called him up; he made his Major League debut on August 17, 1958.
PASHOF TRIBUTE