Rangers Dedicate Draft Pick to Beloved Beat Writer Gerry Fraley
By Sean Facey
The Texas Rangers made a touching tribute to a beloved beat writer, the late Gerry Fraley, who passed away in May.
The Rangers dedicated their 25th round pick to Fraley, who loved scouting and loved the draft more than anybody.
Kudos to the Texas Rangers scouting director Kip Fagg and GM Jon Daniels for dedicating their 25th pick Raphaël Pelletier, to the memory of Dallas scribe Gerry Fraley. Few respected scouts and loved draft day more than our beloved Frales @Rangers @Tyson_fraley @iamfrales
— bob elliott (@elliottbaseball) June 5, 2019
The 64-year-old Fraley had covered the game of baseball for more than three decades. He was known for his deep knowledge of the sport and his respect for the scouts who spent countless hours identifying young talent.
It's an incredibly touching expression of gratitude for a man who gave his life to the game of baseball.
An absolutely perfect day in Seattle. Maybe the best day ever here. And a lovely tribute to friend and colleague Gerry Fraley pic.twitter.com/ZaygT5w7dd
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) May 27, 2019
The MLB draft is a long, arduous process that often gets boring after the first few rounds. More than 1,000 picks are made before the final name gets called, and it's easy to lose sight of the work that gets put in by the scouts and the writers who cover it. Fraley's work deserves significant recognition and praise.
Dedicating the pick to Fraley is a good way of honoring his legacy and ensuring that his love of the game and the youth associated with it during the draft lives on.