Throwback Thursday: Baseball Digest Rookie Specials, Part 1

Baseball Digest Covers #150-199 Back when it actually was a “digest,” the then- monthly publication devoted its March issue to up-and-coming players. The March 1970 offering touted “Scouting Reports on…Rookies from the Confidential Files of Major League Clubs,” which I’m guessing was hyperbolic.

Each “capsule” included the player’s DOB, height, weight, throwing and batting sides, a few minor league stats and observations, and often whether they were married or single(!), along with the ScRep (scouting report).

A sampling of the most prominent name for each franchise (IMO) :

Darrell Evans, Braves, third base: “Bat is strongest plus. Had problems throwing in 1969. Could make big club in 1970.” Actually, he appeared in just 12 games that year before hanging on in 1971.
Joe Decker, Cubs, pitcher: “Exceptional poise for youngster, with good fastball, adequate breaking pitch and developing change. Should be ready this season.” Decker was 2-7 in his rookie years, making 17 starts.
Bernie Carbo, Reds, outfield: “Bat makes him a can’t miss player. Good hustler with speed but arm just average.” Carbo hit 23 homers with 63 RBI in 1970 and finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting, behind Carl Morton of the Expos.
John Mayberry, Astros, first base: “Can’t miss. Does it with bat and glove and hits with power. Also surprisingly fast for a big man.” Now there’s a cliche. But he didn’t really become a regular until 1972.
Roy Cey, Dodgers, infield: “Should rise fast in Dodgers chain. Good bat, needs to polish fielding. Two or three years away.” They were right: By 1973 he was the regular third baseman. He finished sixth in the NL ROY and began a string of six straight All Star appearances the following year.
Don Hahn, Expos, outfield: “Major Leaguer in outfield but lacks power and doesn’t hit for average. Might catch on as a utility outfielder.” Spot on. Probably most famous for his collision with George “The Stork” Theodore as a member of the Mets in 1973.
Ken Singleton, Mets, first-base/outfield: “Runs well for a big man [again?], fields well at first. Should hit well. Ready this year or next.” Accurate. Enjoyed a 15 year ML career before entering the broadcast booth.
Larry Bowa, Phillies, infield: “Exceptional fielder at second, good at short. Fair arm. Coming as a hitter. Can step in right away and do a big league job.” Spot on again. Finished third in NL ROY and had a grand career primarily at short. Became a short-tempered manager, although he was named NL Manager of the Year in his rookie season with the Phillies in 2001.
Dave Cash, Pirates, infield: “A fine looking second baseman. Made all the players in late season major league appearance. Almost sure to stick.” Yup. Led the NL in at-bats for three straight years.
Ted Simmons, Cardinals, catcher: “Adequate catcher but needs further development. Bat will carry him to majors. Considered No. 1 prospect in chain.” Enjoyed a 21-year career with eight All-Star appearances and was elected to Hall of Fame in 2020. Not bad for “adequate.”
Fred Kendall, Padres, catcher: “Should be regular Padres catcher this year or next. Plenty of hustle and know-how and can get his share of hits.” Didn’t crack 100 games until 1973.
Sorry but none of the Giants rookies really made a lasting impression, with all due respect.