Giants scout Saleski passes way

Longtime Major League Baseball scout Stan Saleski died unexpectedly last Saturday in Baltimore, the Giants announced Friday. He was 59.

Saleski spent more than 30 years as a scout for the Giants, Marlins and Yankees. He helped the Marlins win the franchise's first World Series title in 1997, and the Giants to their championships in 2010 and 2012.

"Stan was a longtime friend and an integral part of our organization," Giants general manager Brian Sabean said in a statement. "Our entire Giants family is mourning his loss and Stan will be deeply missed by all of us who had the pleasure and privilege to know him."

Saleski had been with the San Francisco organization since 1998, and was scouting for the team's current playoff run at the time of his death.

He was drafted as a pitcher by the Yankees in the 27th round of the 1977 Draft out of Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla., and spent two years in the New York Minor League system before moving into the front office as the youngest scout in baseball at age 23. He also worked as a Minor League pitching coach before becoming a full-time scout in 1984.

Saleski resided in Oakwood, Ohio, and is survived by his wife, Lisa, and daughter, Whitney.