Saturday, July 30, 2022

RIP - Mike Brito

 
Mike Brito, a Dodgers' scout for 45 years, passed away on July 7, 2022 at age 87.
Don't know the name? Well you no doubt saw him back in the day if you've ever watched a Dodgers' game on TV. He's the guy who always had a radar gun, Panama hat, and big cigar behind the backstop. I was never a Dodgers' fan, but I saw them many times on the Game of the Week. 
 
Brito was the Dodgers' top scout in Mexico.  He signed Fernando Valenzuela and over 30 others.
 
I saw this on Twitter: “Name me another scout you recognize. Name me the second-most famous scout in baseball. You can’t.”  
 
 

  

Friday, July 29, 2022

RIP - Bill Burbach

 
Bill Burbach, who pitched briefly for the Yankees from 1969-71, passed away on July 20, 2022 at age 74.
After 4 seasons in the minors, Bill played all of 1969 with the Yankees, posting a 6-8 record in 24 starts and 7 relief appearances.
 
He spent most of the next 2 seasons in the minors, only playing a total of 6 games for the Yankees.
 
He retired after playing for the Twins' AAA team in 1972.
 

Thursday, July 14, 2022

RIP - Dick Schofield Sr.

 
Dick Schofield, a middle infielder for the Pirates, Giants, and others in the 1950s and 1960s, passed away on July 11, 2022 at age 87.
Schofield was signed by the Cardinals as a bonus baby in 1953, and spent 5+ seasons on their bench, until he was traded to the Pirates. 
 
His only regular playing time was from 1963-1965. He was the Pirates regular shortstop in '63 and '64, taking over for the traded Dick Groat. In 1965 Gene Alley replaced him in May, so he was traded to the Giants where he was their regular shortstop for the remainder of that season. 
 
He eventually moved on to the Mets, Dodgers, Cardinals, Red Sox, and Brewers, then retired after the 1971 season. 
 
His son Dick was the Angels' shortstop from 1983-96, and his grandson is Jayson Werth, former Phillies' and Nationals' outfielder.