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Dick Groch, Yankees Scout Who Championed Derek Jeter, Dies at 84

Tributes included a Yankees pregame moment of silence, a message from Derek Jeter.

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Derek Jeter has defined the Yankees for nearly two decades.
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 06: A detailed view of the Yankees logo at Yankees Player Development Complex on March 06, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Groch’s family confirmed he died Wednesday at age 84, and no cause of death was disclosed.
  • He is credited with persuading New York to draft Derek Jeter sixth overall in 1992, famously saying Jeter’s destination was Cooperstown and grading him a 64 on MLB’s 20–80 scale.
  • The Yankees honored Groch before their American League Wild Card Game in the Bronx against the Red Sox as Jeter posted condolences on social media.
  • Groch scouted for the Expos and Yankees before joining the Brewers in 2002 as a special assistant to GM Doug Melvin, later mentoring executives including Zack Minasian, Karl Mueller and Derek Watson.
  • Before entering pro scouting, he coached at St. Clair Community College from 1965–83, earned multiple Junior College Coach of the Year honors and helped develop future Phillies manager Rob Thomson.