Pat Gillick – Baseball by The Letters

Who’ll Be Next Non-Player in Baseball Hall of Fame? A Scout, Perhaps?

Tom Owens — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 00:29:00 +0000

Pat Gillick gave me hope for the future regarding the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Would more front office wizards be honored? I think Atlanta’s John Schuerholz will have a spot in Cooperstown, someday.

Someday may not come too soon.

Or will it?

I asked Roland Hemond in a letter his feelings. After winning the Buck O’Neil Lifetime Achievement Award, I hoped the distinguished GM might see a different HOF future. One that might even welcome scouts?

In 2013, he sent this most kind reply:

“This coming May 3-5, the National Baseball Hall of Fame will open an exhibit, “Diamond Dreams,” which will include scout reports from scouts that they submitted to their respective organizations. This exhibit will have a section of “who signed who” from way back.

I hesitate to list my preference of naming my first inductee, as I want to do justice by awaiting the tabulations and making a very careful study.”

Meanwhile, enjoy one of the best bios of Hemond I’ve ever found, crafted by noted baseball historian Bill Nowlin.

Coming Thursday: Remembering Bill Veeck

Pondering HOFer Pat Gillick

Tom Owens — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 03:17:00 +0000

Don’t wait for
Cooperstown to
give you permission
to write to
front office heroes!

I was delighted with Pat Gillick’s detailed response he sent me in 2011.

He speculated on future baseball executives who could join him as Hall of Fame members.

Since hearing from Pat, I haven’t focused enough on baseball’s history makers in the front office.

Just today, I sent a letter to Roland Hemond. I heard him speak nearly 25 years ago at an American Legion World Series. After the speech, he told me that his philosophy as a general manager was to trade players one year too soon. He wanted to see that both teams got something worthwhile in a deal. He seemed like a kind, insightful man.

Cross your fingers for me.

Newest Hall of Famer Pat Gillick Predicts Next General Manager Headed to Cooperstown

Tom Owens — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:23:00 +0000

Ebay is swimming
with Gillick sigs
like this one ($35?).
Surprisingly,
he’s still signing
all TTM requests!

Pat Gillick, baseball’s newest Hall of Famer, is the makings for a made-for-TV movie.

Being general manager for the 2008 World Series champion Phillies? That’s just whipped cream on his sundae! Gillick’s involvement in pro ball extends some 50 years and several organizations.

Before becoming a front office executive, Gillick toiled as a scout. He added:

“Actually scouted for Astros and Yankees. Cesar Cedeno was a great talent that should have enjoyed a longer M.L. career.”

Gillick followed the path of his father, Larry Gillick. Dad’s first job was as minor league pitcher. The younger Gillick, whose minor league career pitching in the Orioles farm system lasted five seasons before injuries, remembered:

“Father was a good ‘AA’ pitcher. PCL was ‘AA in the 1930s. Hard worker my father, and served with the Mariners in World War II. Mother was an actress.”

In July, Gillick gets to address the baseball world in his acceptance speech. What executives would he like to welcome to the Hall in the future?

“John Schuerholz certainly deserving. Many young GM’s have great talent and are “prospects” for the HOF in the future.

Regards,
Pat Gillick
HOF 2011″

How many people bothered to write to Gillick for an autograph before his new HOF status? Scouts and other off-field heroes are worthy autographs. Once Cooperstown agrees, collecting their signatures gets much tougher.