SCOUTING REPORTS ON MLB ROOKIES
"These scouting reports were obtained from the confidential files of big league clubs expressly for BASEBALL DIGEST readers. They are candid, hard-hitting, no-punched-pulled, evaluations ... as reported to the player personnel supervisors by baseball"s top scouts. The reports, as presented in this issue, are in the scouts' own words, uncensored, transcribed by BASEBALL DIGEST reporters directly from the official club records. Some are glowing. Others are harsh, even brutal. All are frank ... Because the report on each player does not come from his own club, but rather from the files of a rival club, it is not publicity pap." Baseball Digest, March 1957.
There are thousands of rare scouting reports in this collection. This Roger Maris entry, for example, includes personal data, statistical records, a career sketch, and closes with a scouting report.
ROGER MARIS
Rookies of 1957 (March)
6:00 185 9-10-34 B:L Th:R -- Still technically Indianapolis property, he's good bet to make it as Cleveland regular. Showed no obvious batting weaknesses once he became an Indianapolis regular in mid-'56 following orders from Cleveland to get Rog in the lineup. Hit .293 in 131 games, with 75 RBIs and 17 HR's. Reminds many observers of Mickey Mantle because of his all-around ability and his proficiency at dragging and bunting. Has terrific speed and outstanding arm. Doesn't have Mantle-type power, but frequently hits for distance, especially with men on. Broke in with Fargo-Moorhead (C) in '53, hitting .325 with 80 RBI's in 114 games. In '54 made 32 homers and drove in 111 runs in 134 games for Keokuk (B), hitting .315 and stealing 25 bases. In '55 he hit .289 in 113 games for Reading (A), with 78 RBI's, 19 HR's and 24 SB's.
Scouting Report: "An outstanding major league prospect, perhaps the best in American Assn. Has good arm and power, runs well. Moved from Class C to B, then A and Triple A in four seasons."
