Bob Skinner, a left-handed hitter who threw right-handed, was listed as 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) tall and 190 pounds (86 kg).

In 1967, Skinner retired from playing and became manager of his hometown team, the San Diego Padres of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, the top farm club of the Philadelphia Phillies.

He led San Diego to an 85–63 record and the 1967 PCL championship, winning Minor League Manager of the Year honors from The Sporting News.

In 1968, he began the year at San Diego but on June 16 he was called to the Phillies to replace Gene Mauch as manager with the Phils in fifth place with a record of 27–27.

He remained in the game, however, as a coach for the National League Padres, who came into being in 1969, Pirates, California Angels and Atlanta Braves.