Washington Nationals Vice President Bob Boone has informed the team that he will resign instead of serving a COVID-19 vaccine warrant for all non-uniformed employees, a source told ESPN on Wednesday.
Boone, 73, has worked for the organization since 2005 and serves as senior advisor to CEO Mike Rizzo. Boone was GM’s assistant and vice president of player development from 2006 to 2013.
The Washington Post first reported the news of Boone’s resignation.
Boone was a star catcher for the Phillies, Angels and Royals from 1972 to 1990 and also led the Royals and Reds from 1995 to 2003. He is the father of New York York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, and former MLB cameraman Bret Boone.
Aaron Boone announced in March that he was vaccinated against COVID-19.
In addition to Boone’s resignation, two scouts will not be with the national organization next season due to vaccine policy, according to an Athletic report.
The Nationals were one of the first baseball teams to require vaccines for full-time, full-time employees, including coaches, executives, and staff. The rule change went into effect on Aug. 12 and employees had to meet an Aug. 26 deadline to provide evidence of the first shot or request an exemption.
“As a company, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to stay safe and we feel that forcing vaccines was the right thing for our employees and our community,” the nationals said in a statement Friday.