Longtime Red Sox Scout Matt Sczesny Passes Away at the Age of 76

MLB.com Tuesday, January 5, 2009
The Associated Press

BOSTON -- Matt Sczesny, a former Red Sox Minor League player, manager and scout, passed away Sunday, January 3 in Long Island, NY after a battle with cancer.

Mr. Sczesny originally joined the Red Sox
organization as a minor league infielder from 1954 until 1959, missing the 1957 season due to military service. Beginning in 1960, he served as a manager in Boston's farm system for the next 11 seasons, including stints with Waterloo, Winston-Salem, Wellsville, Oneonta, Greenville and Pawtucket.

Mr. Sczesny joined the scouting staff in 1971 and continued to scout for the Red Sox organization through the 2008 season. During that time he was responsible for signing many talented players, including former Red Sox first baseman Mo Vaughn, infielder John Valentin and pitcher Bob Stanley. He was the recipient of the Red Sox George Digby Scouting Award in 1995.

"Few have contributed as much to the Red Sox as Matt did during his six decades here," commented Red Sox Executive Vice President/General Manager Theo Epstein. "He made a meaningful impact on the organization with his baseball acumen and dedication and an even bigger personal impact on the many of us who were lucky enough to work with him. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the
Sczesny family."

Mr. Sczesny played at St. John's University after a tremendous career as an infielder at Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, NY where he was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame.

Funeral services for Mr. Sczesny will take place on Thursday, January 8 at 11:15 a.m. at St. Cyril and Methodius Church, 125 Half Hollow Rd., Deer Park, NY. Visitation hours are on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. at Boyd-Caratozzolo Funeral Home, 1785 Deer Park Av., Deer Park, NY.

Mr. Sczesny is survived by his wife Joan, his son Matthew Jr., his daughter-in-law Catherine, and two grandsons, Matthew and Justin.