Scouts

While the players are the ones who ultimately determine the quality of play in the Majors, they wouldn't be there at all without scouts. As such, scouts are integral to the success of their teams and to MLB as a whole. Despite their importance, however, scouts are seldom recognized for their work, and I think it would be fitting to induct a few of them into the Hall of Fame. Two candidates who deserve special consideration are Tony Lucadello and Dick Wiencek. 

Tony Lucadello was a minor league shortstop before beginning his scouting career in 1942, which he would continue until his death in 1989. He signed 52 future MLB players in his career, including Mike Marshall, Alex Johnson, and Hall of Famers Fergie Jenkins and Mike Schmidt. Lucadello captured a Scout of the Year award in 1986. 

Dick Wiencek signed more MLB players than any other scout, finishing his career with a whopping 72, including Hall of Famers Jim Kaat, Bert Blyleven, Jack Morris, and Alan Trammell. In 1976, he set the single-season record when he signed six future MLB players, including Morris, Trammell, and Dan Petry, who would be key contributors to the 1984 World Champion Detroit Tigers. Wiencek served as the Assistant General Manager for the Angels from 1971 through 1974 and as the Director of Scouting for the A's from 1981 through 1984.