Baseball scouts to be feted at star-studded awards dinner

Longtime baseball scouts Jack McKeon and Ray Crone Sr. are to be presented with lifetime achievement awards at the 11th “In the Spirit of the Game” gala at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel on Jan. 18.

The star-studded banquet, which has become an important part of baseball’s winter calendar, is hosted each year by the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation, an organization founded by former minor league player turned baseball agent Dennis Gilbert to recognize the important contribution scouts make to baseball.

McKeon, best known as a manager and general manager with the Royals, A’s, Padres, Reds and Marlins, also scouted for four organizations during a six-decade career in baseball. Crone, a major league pitcher with three teams, worked as a scout and talent evaluator for four clubs.

Six other scouts are to receive the foundation’s Legends of Scouting Award at the event, which is to be attended by Commissioner Bud Selig and Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, among other baseball luminaries. Aaron is to receive the Executive Leadership Award from Selig, with the commissioner to be introduced by film star Michael Keaton.

Others to be honored include Hall of Fame player Joe Morgan, who is set to receive the Players’ Lifetime Achievement Award; San Francisco Giants’ Manager Bruce Bochy (the Tommy Lasorda Managerial Achievement Award); former Angels infielder Bobby Grich (the Scout’s Dream Award) and Atlanta Braves’ President John Schuerholz (an award for outstanding achievement).

The gala is to be hosted by Kevin Millar and Chris Rose of the MLB Network.

Tickets and sponsorship packages for the event are available by calling (818) 224-3906.

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