Scouting reports

Rickey's scouting reports were compiled between 1951 and 1964. They are mostly concentrated in the years 1951-1956 and 1962-1963, while Rickey was associated, respectively, with the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals. They reveal his candor in assessing a player's talent and sometimes include blunt commentary on a player's upbringing or family background. Some of the better-known names featured in the reports are Hank Aaron, Lou Brock, Steve Carlton, Roberto Clemente, Don Drysdale, Bob Gibson, Harmon Killebrew, Sandy Koufax, Willie Mays, Bill Mazeroski, Stan Musial, and Frank Robinson. Future managers George Lee "Sparky" Anderson and Albert Fred "Red" Schoendienst are also evaluated as players. In addition to these Hall-of-Famers, Rickey evaluated hundreds of players with had varying degrees of success in the minor and major leagues. What made a promising player in the eyes of this sportsman and recruiter? How did Rickey’s reports frame and ultimately change the game?