The Architect of the 2002 Championship Core
Bob Fontaine Jr., a scout for six Major League Baseball teams including the Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres, died on Saturday at age 73. The Los Angeles Times reported his death, noting his status as a legendary figure in baseball scouting.
Fontaine served as the former longtime scouting director for the Angels. In a statement honoring Fontaine, the Angels described him as a "gifted talent evaluator and mentor who helped shape generations of players." The team highlighted his role in developing stars such as Jim Edmonds, Garret Anderson, Tim Salmon, and Darin Erstad.
Fontaine is credited with drafting the nucleus of the Angels' roster that won the 2002 World Series. Former Los Angeles Times baseball writer Mike DiGiovanna wrote on X that there would have been no 2002 World Series title for the Angels without Fontaine's contributions.
Former Dodgers general manager Dan Evans described Fontaine as an elite evaluator with phenomenal people skills.
Drafting Hall of Famers and Unconventional Picks
Throughout his career, Fontaine drafted several players who reached the highest levels of the sport. He is credited with drafting Hall of Famers Ozzie Smith, Tony Gwynn, and Randy Johnson.
Fontaine also selected Jim Abbott in the 1988 draft. The Los Angeles Times noted that Fontaine made this selection despite Abbott lacking a right hand, predicting his success in professional baseball. Abbott went on to become one of the Angels' notable stars alongside the other players Fontaine helped bring into the organization.
International Scouting Ventures
Fontaine's scouting work extended beyond domestic drafts. In 1992, he signed three players from Russia and a fast-pitch softball player from New Zealand named Gus Leger.
The Los Angeles Times reported that none of the four players signed by Fontaine in 1992 advanced beyond Class A.
A Family Legacy in Baseball
Fontaine's career spanned nearly 50 years, a longevity he attributed partly to his family's influence. His father, Bob Fontaine Sr., was a scout for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates. He later served as scouting director for the San Diego Padres and general manager of the Padres from 1977 to 1980.
Fontaine Jr. cited his father's advice to appreciate his position in baseball as a reason for his long tenure in the industry.