Last Updated: March 6th, 2024 by Jake Cain
In an insightful piece from the Library of Congress’s Branch Rickey archives, we get a glimpse into the baseball luminary’s innate talent for spotting future stars. Known for breaking barriers by signing Jackie Robinson and pioneering the farm system, Rickey’s tenure with teams like the Dodgers and Pirates solidified his reputation as a talent scout par excellence.
Among his numerous evaluations, one stands out: a 1954 report on a young Don Drysdale. Rickey, with his sharp instincts intact even in his later years, praised Drysdale’s “artistry” and exceptional fastball, labeling him “a definite prospect.”
True to Rickey’s foresight, Drysdale soared beyond expectations, never playing for Rickey’s Pirates but making a name for himself with the Dodgers—both in Brooklyn and Los Angeles—where he enjoyed a 14-year career, collecting accolades such as the Cy Young Award and leading the National League in strikeouts.
His legacy, alongside Rickey’s, is enshrined in baseball’s Hall of Fame.
Here is the transcription of the letter in plain text:
Hollywood, Cal.
June 15, 1954
DON DRYSDALE
6’4½”, 185 pounds, 18 years of age. A lot of artistry about this boy. Way above average fast ball. It is really good. Direction of the spin and the speed of rotation the same on all fast ball pitches, angle of delivery the same, stride is wide, and his body is in all pitches. Fine pitching hand, – and placement of fast and curve ball needs no coaching. Let him alone on all his flinging. He is good. I don’t know about his agility over whether or not he has body control on field his position, but his work on the hill itself has an unusual amount of perfection. Intelligent face and manner, shows good breeding.
This boy’s curve is fairly good, and he shows control of it also. He has a change-up on his curve that is usable. Change-up on the fast ball is too fast and lets up on his delivery. This will take considerable work but I am very sure that this particular chap will acquire an effective change on his fast ball.
It is my judgment that his aptitude would be far above average. He is a definite prospect. With proper handling, I could see this boy on the Pittsburgh club in two years. He impresses me very much, – the same as Dangelis did two years ago, – with one thing in his favor, namely, more speed, but Dangelis was more finished with four pitches.
But it is probable that this chap is worth whatever it takes except that Pittsburgh is in no position to make him a bonus player.
And here is a secret for you, Bob. Rather than lose him, I would sign him to a Pittsburgh contract, for I think he would come within the three years, but his first contract must not be above $4,000, for he should go out of course. If he were to stay with our club, however, his salary would be the minimum in the major leagues, viz, $6000.
This boy had a high scholastic record, – almost a straight A.
signed with Brooklyn.
Father is a bird dog for them
BRANCH RICKEY