Red Sox mourn the passing of George Digby
Longtime scout signed over 50 players in more than 60 years, all with the Red Sox
BOSTON, MA - The Boston Red Sox mourn the loss of longtime amateur scout and Red Sox Hall of Famer George Digby, who passed away on Friday at age 96. Digby, who had been living in Gallatin, TN, is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen, one son, and three daughters.
Digby began discovering talent for the Red Sox in 1944 and remained on staff as an amateur scout for 50 years through 1994. He continued working for the team through 2004 as a scouting consultant.
A native of New Orleans, LA, he signed numerous future major leaguers and was instrumental in the Red Sox' signing of Hall of Famer Wade Boggs. Among others, he also signed Mike Greenwell, Dalton Jones, Reid Nichols, and Jody Reed. His first signing was Milt Bolling, who went on to become a Red Sox front office executive and then a longtime scout. Digby also recommended the Red Sox sign future Hall of Famer Willie Mays in 1949 after seeing him play in Birmingham, AL.
Digby is the only scout enshrined in the Red Sox Hall of Fame. He was inducted in the 2008 class, along with former signee Mike Greenwell. He is also a member of the Florida Scouts Hall of Fame.
He was named the 1985 East Coast Scout of the Year for scouting excellence, years of service and professionalism in the first year of the award's formation.
In 1995, the Red Sox established the George Digby Scouting Award, which is given annually to recognize the dedication, success, and work ethic of a member of the Red Sox scouting department.
The Red Sox paid tribute to Digby with a moment of silence prior to today's game against the Oakland Athletics. Funeral services will be held tomorrow, May 4 at 2:00 p.m. at Alexander Funeral Home in Gallatin.