HAMILTON — A professional baseball scout with the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers for 37 years, Hamilton resident Carl Loewenstine will be honored Saturday in Los Angeles with a Legends of Scouting Award.
“I don’t know if I’m in the same company as some of those guys, but it’s an honor to be considered,” Loewenstine said. “It’s nice to be recognized.”
Also honored at the event put on by the Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation will be Cincinnati Reds legends Johnny Bench and Frank Robinson, Alabama surgeon Dr. Frank Jobe and several of Loewenstine’s scouting peers.
Carl Reiner, Larry King and George Lopez will share master of ceremonies duties as the organization raises funds to help professional baseball scouts who have fallen on hard times due to job loss, illness, retirement or other financial setbacks.
“It’s a big affair out in Hollywood, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to go to, but never have,” said Loewenstine, 64, who will make the trip with his wife of 43 years, Gail.
The weekend will give the couple a rare chance to travel together.
“Most of my life has been in professional baseball because I was very young when I got started,” Loewenstine said. “I don’t think my poor wife realizes any other way to live.
“With scouting, you’re never home, so you need a great wife to raise the kids and take care of things back home,” he said. “And I’ve certainly been blessed with a great wife.”
Loewenstine began his career as a part-time scout for the Phillies in 1973. Dallas Green hired him full-time in 1977, and in 1980 he took a job with the Dodgers and has been employed by that organization ever since.
After years of watching thousands of amateur games, Loewenstine helps the club scout at the major-league level these days, assessing trades and other moves. But as much as he enjoys it, he said this probably will be his final year.
“I’ve loved every minute of it,” he said. “But it’s just time to stay off the airplanes and out of the hotels.”
Loewenstine said he may stay involved on a part-time basis, but most of his time will be spent with Gail, their three grown children, Clint, Dawn and Curt, and their eight grandchildren.
“I’ll always love baseball,” he said. “It’s been a great ride.”