THE Texas Rangers announced the devastating news of the death of a longtime scout on Saturday.
The MLB world has mourned the loss of a veteran scout who was found dead in a hotel room.
The Texas Rangers have mourned the loss of one of their longtime scouts[/caption]
On Saturday morning, the Rangers revealed that scout Scott Littlefield was found dead in his Houston hotel room following an apparent heart attack.
The 59-year-old Littlefield had heart surgery two years ago.
Littlefield had been on an assignment after spending last weekend with the Rangers during their series with the Houston Astros, per a report from The Dallas Morning News.
He was close to Rangers manager Bruce Bochy after working together during their days with the San Diego Padres.
Littlefield was also deemed one of the “inner circle” talent evaluators under president of baseball operations Chris Young, according to The Dallas Morning News.
“The Texas Rangers are devastated by the passing of Scott Littlefield,” Young said in a statement obtained by Grant.
“Scott was one of the most respected scouts in Major League Baseball who had an incredible impact on this organization.
“His voice was influential in all aspects of our baseball operation from professional, amateur, and international scouting to Major League player evaluation.
“He was an invaluable resource and advisor.
“More importantly, he was one of the most genuine and caring individuals in the game.”
Littlefield joined the Rangers in November 2009.
In 2019, he was recognized as “Scout of the Year” by the Rangers.
And Littlefield helped the Rangers win their first World Series title in 2023.
Before joining Texas, he worked with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Atlanta Braves, and the San Diego Padres.
Baseball runs deep in Littlefield’s family.
His brother, Dave, is the former Pirates general manager, and his other brother, Mike, is the current New York Yankees medical coordinator.
And Littlefield’s son, Tyler, is a scout for the Padres, and his daughter, Erika, works as an amateur scouting assistant for the Baltimore Orioles.
Fans have flooded X with tributes for the late scout.
“RIP. He was a good one,” one wrote.
“So sad to hear this. He was a true pro,” another commented.
Rangers scout Mike Andrews, who was one of Littlefield’s closest friends, said, “He was a scout’s scout and loved baseball and being a scout more than anyone I have ever met.
“It’s the only job he ever wanted, and he did it for 34 years.”
