Here is an interesting and rare collection of a minor league scout's work. The scout was James Jelinek and these are papers from his days in the 1950s, within the St.Louis Browns minor league farm system. There are some great conversations talking about prospects and different aspects of signing them. A wonderful baseball archive that has historic value greatly beyond it's monetary value. There is also a letter from the Baltimore Farm Club Director on their letterhead with his signature.
1951 - 1954 St Louis Scouting papers of James J. Jelinek.
James Vincent Jelinek aka "Jim" and "Vince".
Born Sept. 17, 1900 Chicago, Illinois
Died Oct. 13, 1986 Oak Park, Illinois
Jim Jelinek lived in Cicero, Illinois. He played baseball in 1921 with the Columbia, TN Club in the Alabama League, and also with other minor league ball teams such as Rock Island and Ottumwa, Iowa in the Mississippi Valley League.
Jim was offered a contract with the Chicago White Sox in 1923 but turned it down due to the expected birth of his son later that year.
Jim continued playing local semi-pro ball for several years and managed several teams. He also worked as a commissioned scout for the St. Louis Browns in the early 1950s. Eventually Jim switched to behind the plate to umpire for more than two decades in local and semi pro ball.
The articles in this lot are from his days as as a scout. Very interesting notes and letters from a different time in baseball. Approximately 40 letters, memorandums, bulletins etc... in this lot. The photos are included as they are duplicates. Consigned from a close relative of Jim's.