Cubs mourn the passing of area scout

Cubs mourn the passing of area scout


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CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today mourn the passing of area scout Stan Zielinski, who died suddenly overnight at his home in Winfield, Ill. at the age of 64.

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein released the following statement:

"Stan was an incredible scout and an unfailingly kind person. For many of us, working closely with Stan was a highlight of being with the Cubs. He has been a big part of the heart and soul of the Cubs scouting staff for more than 15 years; without Stan we certainly would not have won the World Series. The impact he made on this organization and his co-workers will continue to live on.

“Together we grieve his loss, and we extend our deepest condolences to Stan's wife Holly, his children Zach and Anna, the entire Zielinski family, and Stan’s many friends and colleagues.”

Zielinski, a scout for the last 38 years, worked for the Cubs since 2001 and was just inducted into the Midwest Scouts Association Hall of Fame for career excellence on December 10 during a ceremony at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. He most recently served as the Cubs area scout for Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Zielinski was named the organization’s Scout of the Year during the club’s annual scouting meetings last January.

Zielinski began his scouting career in 1979 and was credited with identifying and signing dozens of future big leaguers during his distinguished scouting career, including Cliff Floyd, Jeff Samardzija and Kyle Schwarber. Zielinski grew up in Northbrook, attended Loyola Academy and played collegiate baseball at St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minn. Prior to joining the Cubs, Zielinski scouted for the Montreal Expos and Florida Marlins.

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