Bob Bathe

Robert Allen Bathe

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2", Weight 205 lb.
• School California State University, Fullerton

• Born October 14, 1960 in Downey, CA USA

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

The twin brother of big leaguer Bill Bathe, third baseman Bob Bathe spent three years in AAA. He was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 11th round of the 1982 amateur draft, four rounds before they took José Canseco. Bob played for Cal State Fullerton in the 1982 College World Series.

Bob hit .288/.434/.488 with 51 walks (to 24 K) and 43 runs in 64 games as a rookie for the 1982 Medford A's, though he fielded only .874 at third base. He was 7th in the Northwest League in OBP, 6th in walks and tied for third in home runs (9). The clear choice for All-Star 3B, though, was Chris James. In 1983, Bathe produced at a .267/.394/.436 clip for the Modesto A's with 15 home runs, 20 steals in 32 tries, 86 walks and 82 RBI while improving his fielding at the hot corner to .902. He led the California League with 17 game-winning RBI, tied for 8th in home runs, tied Matt Nokes and Randle Granger for 6th in RBI and tied Brick Smith for second in walks. He again was not the All-Star pick, which went to Donell Nixon.

The Californian did not fare as well in 1984, split between the Albany-Colonie A's (.234/.321/.356 in 89 G) and Tacoma Tigers (.303/.451/.468 in 34 G, a teammate of his twin brother). With Tacoma in 1985, again a teammate of Bill's, he hit .235/.368/.416 with 11 home runs and 70 walks. He was 6th in the 1985 PCL in walks, between Bobby Miscik and Benny Distefano. Prior to the 1986 season, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs along with Phil Stephenson for Gary Jones and John Cox. He played for the Iowa Cubs that summer, his final pro season, batting .224/.349/.441.

Overall, Bathe had batted .255/.381/.426 in 487 minor league games, with 52 home runs, 307 walks (only 244 strikeouts), 248 runs and 254 RBI. He fielded just .912 at third base, though.

Sources: 1983-1987 Baseball Guides