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Dodgers News: Longtime Team Scout Mike Brito Gives Thanks

Mike Brito

Tuesday saw four players elected to the Hall of Fame with former Dodger Pedro Martinez among those chosen for induction. While the news came with plenty of praise heaped on Martinez, he wasn’t the only one with Dodger ties to have been recognized recently.

Longtime scout Mike Brito was named the fourth recipient of the International Scout of the Year Award during the Winter Meetings last month. During his acceptance speech Brito gave thanks to those who hired him, according to MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick:

His acceptance speech was a stroll through Dodgers memory lane. Starting with the late general manager Al Campanis, who hired him in 1978, Brito thanked just about everyone he ever worked for. That included former owner Peter O’Malley, who Brito said “always took care of everybody,” as well as many colleagues behind the scenes.

Brito also acknowledged others he worked for and with:

Brito’s thank yous also included former GM Fred Claire and farm director Charlie Blaney, as well as former scouting director Logan White (now an executive with the Padres), who teamed with Brito on a journey into Mexico to sign a relatively unknown Cuban outfielder named Puig.

With nearly 40 years working for the Dodgers, Brito has been an integral part of the organization. He is probably best known as being the signing agent for Fernando Valenzuela shortly after being hired, as well as helping the Dodgers land Yasiel Puig three years ago.

Even in his advanced age, Brito continues to find talent for the Dodgers and leave his mark on the organization’s future. In addition to Puig, Brio scouted Julio Urias and signed him at a young age. Urias ranks among the Dodgers’ top prospects and much is expected of him once he reaches the Majors.

Being honored as a scout only cemented Brito’s legacy on baseball. After leaving his home country of Cuba in 1955, Brito played catcher in the Minor Leagues for seven years and was named to the Cuban Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.

Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

One Comment

  1. Thanks for your service in Dodger Blue, Mike. Miss seeing you behind home plate with your cigar and Panama hat, Bro!

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