Cook spent the last five seasons (2002-06) in various scouting capacities with the Boston Red Sox, both at the amateur and professional levels. Prior to joining the Red Sox, he served in various scouting capacities at the amateur level with the Florida Marlins for 10 seasons (1992-2001).

His career in professional baseball began in 1962 after signed a minor league contract as a shortstop with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Following his playing career, Cook served as the general manager of Gastonia in 1965, before joining the Pirates front office in 1966. He was named Pittsburgh's assistant farm director in 1968, before he assumed the role of director of minor leagues and scouting in 1976.

Cook joined the New York Yankees as the club's director of player development on January 24, 1983, before being promoted to general manager in July of that year. He held the position of general manager until he left the organization on August 20, 1984. Cook was tabbed the general manager of the Montreal Expos on September 5, 1984, a position he held until being named the general manager of the Cincinnati Reds on October 13, 1987.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.