Baseball's Syd Thrift ends 50-year career

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 3 (UPI) -- Baseball executive Syd Thrift announced his retirement after nearly 50 years in the game.

During his career, Thrift held positions with many teams, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, where he was general manager for three years in the 1980s; the New York Yankees, Kansas City, the Chicago Cubs and Baltimore. Most recently, he has been a consultant for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, with whom he signed in February 2003.

He was a pitcher and first baseman for the Yankees from 1949 to 1952. His career in scouting and player development began as a part-time scout for the Yankees and Pirates in 1953.

While with the Royals, Thrift founded the Baseball Academy in Sarasota, Fla. The academy produced 14 major leaguers, including one of the Royals' greatest players, infielder Frank White, who won eight Gold Gloves as a second baseman.

"He's had a wonderful career and worn a lot of different hats," Devil Rays' Manager Lou Piniella said. "He's a knowledgeable guy who has a lot of enthusiasm. He's been just a real good baseball man. I salute his career and wish him well in whatever he's going to do."