Bob Spinks Tribute Page
Bob Spinks, a third baseman and 2005 Roman Catholic grad, passed away Dec. 9. He was remembered by all who knew him as an intensely competitive athlete and deeply caring friend.
Bob was a multi-sport athlete at Roman Catholic, excelling in football, basketball, and especially baseball. He was known for his fearlessness, confidence, and 110-percent effort in everything he did.
The Competitor
As teammate Adam Seltzer wrote: "Bob was one of the most confident kids you ever met. It was a rare occasion when the other team put a pitcher on the mound that Bobby didn't utter the words 'I'm taking him deep.' Bob even thought he was a good baserunner." Most notably, Bob was fearless -- pitching six great innings in a championship game despite a bad elbow injury because he wanted the ball and the game on his shoulders.
The Leader
Joe Tremoglie, who coached Bobby his senior year at Roman, noted: "He ALWAYS gave 100% on the field and never at any point during the 2005 season did he put himself in front of the team. Bobby made himself into a starter and vocal leader from the outset and was a key part to the success we had."
The Championship
Bob played a key role with the Ivy Ridge Panthers American Legion team, helping them win the Philadelphia County Championship. His game-winning hit put the Panthers into the championship, and in the title game itself, he was instrumental in the victory. His teammates remember the moment after scoring the winning run -- Bob lifted his teammate on his shoulders and carried him down the first base line.
The Person
Beyond athletics, Bob was remembered as someone who knew everyone's name, who would talk to the last player on the bench as easily as the star, and who would be the first to pick everyone up when something went wrong. As Carmen Del Mastro wrote: "Bob was a good kid that cared a lot about people, and he would always have my back no matter what."
Nick Dorazio, head baseball coach at Kennedy-Kenrick, recalled that despite a rough departure when Bob briefly attended K-K, the first time they met again Bob "came right over to me and shook my hand like nothing ever happened."