Mariners shocked by news of Frank Mattox’s death
Feb 27, 2012, 9:32 AM | Updated: 1:39 pm
By Shannon Drayer
Very sad news today in camp as we have just been told of the passing of long time Mariners scout Frank Mattox.
“The Seattle Mariners were shocked and deeply saddened, to learn today that Frank Mattox, a Major League Scout and 18-year member of the Mariners organization, passed away suddenly last night,” the club announced in a press release.
I am told that this happened at home and, as the release says, was unexpected.
“It is difficult to put into words the depth of the Mariners sadness upon hearing the news last night,” president Chuck Armstrong said in the release. “On behalf of the Mariners organization and ownership, we wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Frank’s family: his wonderful wife Sylvia, and three beautiful children Myles, Blake and Marisol. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Mariners organization are with the Mattox family as they deal with this tragedy.”
Mattox, who was just 49, resided in Peoria with his family. Prior to joining the Mariners he scouted for the Rockies and played for seven years in the Milwaukee Brewers’ minor league system.
Mattox had a passion for scouting and young players. He was one of the first people I talked to when I attended my first spring training 11 years ago. His passion for the game and player development were on full display every time I talked to him.
This is an impossible loss for his family and a very tough loss for the Mariners family, which has lost too many important and loved members in the past year and a half.
