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On behalf of the Tidrow Family, the San Francisco Giants today announced that Senior Advisor to the President of Baseball Operations Dick Tidrow passed away unexpectedly on Saturday in Lee’s Summit, MO. He was 74 years old.
A former American League Rookie Pitcher of the Year and 13-year Major League veteran, Dick Tidrow spent 28 seasons in the Giants front office. He came to the organization prior to the 1994 campaign, serving as the club’s Major League scout for the American League. Throughout his tenure with the Giants, he held the titles of Special Assistant to the General Manager, Director of Player Personnel, Assistant General Manager for Player Personnel and Senior Vice President and Senior Advisor to the General Manager.
“Our entire organization is heartbroken by the news of Dick’s passing,” said Giants President and CEO Larry Baer. “So much of our success over these past three decades is directly linked to Dick’s contributions. He will be truly missed by all of us and our thoughts are with Mari Jo and his entire family during this difficult time.”
“Dick was a unique and special person whose influence and impact was legendary throughout the game and whose fingerprints are all over our three World Series trophies,” said Giants Executive Vice President and Senior Advisor Brian Sabean. “On a personal level, we shared some incredible highs and lows together and I’m forever grateful for his 40 years of friendship and support.”
“While I knew Dick only by reputation before I arrived with the Giants in 2018, I quickly grew to value his counsel and perspective on the game. He had such a unique charisma and evaluation style, that I would always be completely riveted during our chats,” said Giants President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi. “Before every free agent season, draft and trade deadline, we made sure to know how Dick viewed “The Board.” It was an honor and privilege to work with him these past few years, and his legacy will live on in the Giants teams currently on the field and well beyond.”
Prior to joining the Giants organization, Tidrow served as a special assignment scout with the New York Yankees from 1985 through 1993. The former right-handed pitcher, nicknamed “Dirt,” enjoyed parts of 13 years in the Majors from 1972-84. He was honored as The Sporting News A.L. Rookie Pitcher of the Year as a starter with the Cleveland Indians in 1972, while also capturing pennant and World Series rings as a reliever with the Yankees in 1977 and 1978, respectively. He later pitched for the Cubs, White Sox and Mets. His lifetime numbers show a 100-94 record with 55 saves and a 3.68 ERA.
The San Francisco native graduated from Mt. Eden High School in 1965 and Chabot Junior College in 1967, both located in Hayward. Tidrow also served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1968-71. He is survived by his wife, Mari Jo, three children— Andy, Matt and Richelle, his grandchild, Trista, and many relatives and loved ones on the West Coast and in the Midwest.
“Dick was truly one of a kind. He is loved and missed beyond measure and irreplaceable in our hearts and lives,” said Mari Jo Tidrow.
Services are pending.