The life of a major league baseball scout is far from glamorous. Away from his family for weeks on end, he travels to obscure parts of the world in all types of conditions in search of the next break-out star. Essential to a club's talent procurement, and thus to its ultimate success, scouts nevertheless remain relatively anonymous compared to players and owners. This work gives overdue attention to these vital participants in the American national pastime.

Substantial biographical profiles of more than 300 veteran scouts--from the earliest who traveled in covered wagons to long-time experts still on the job--chronicle their playing histories, scouting accomplishments, the organizations for which they scouted, and the players they signed who made it to the major leagues. A very extensive bibliography and an index complete the work.