| Birthdate | 12/19/1882 |
| Death Date | 06/04/1957 |
| Debut Year | 1920 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Yankees |
| Position | Scout |
Paul Krichell was the Yankees head scout from 1920-57 and signed future HoFers Lou Gehrig, Tony Lazzeri, Phil Rizzuto, and Whitey Ford.
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After a two-year big league playing career as a catcher fizzled, Paul Krichell turned to managing in the minors before embarking on a successful career as a scout.
Considered one of the greatest scouts in the game’s history, Krichell is best known for signing Lou Gehrig out of Columbia University. Krichell signed more than 200 players who went on to play professional baseball including many of the men who formed the Yankee dynasties.
In the collection is a letter from Krichell to Joe Devine, the Yankees’ chief scout on the West Coast. Dated February 21, 1933, the letter discusses an aspiring pitcher from Iowa.
Paul Krichell signed more than 200 players who eventually played professional baseball. Many of his guys went on to enjoy long big league careers. No Krichell product was greater than the Iron Horse, Lou Gehrig.
Krichell was able to convince a 19-year old Gehrig to sign with the Yankees on April 30, 1923. The first basemen soon became one of the game’s greatest players.
In the collection is this photograph autographed by the best player Krichell ever signed.
The New York chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America created the William J. Slocum Award in 1930. Among the first few recipients were Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson, John McGraw, and Connie Mack. A tradition of excellence was established.
The honor is given each year to those who’ve given long and meritorious service to baseball. Super scout Paul Krichell received the Slocum in 1954. Interestingly, Phil Rizzuto who Krichell signed to play with the Yankees also earned the honor.
More than 50 members of the Hall of Fame have received the Slocum. Krichell was the first scout with the award.
In the collection is the Slocum Award given to legendary Dodger announcer Vin Scully in 1995.
The Bill Slocom Award is one of the most prestigious awards baseball has to offer. The little-known honor has been given to more than 50 members of the Hall of Fame.
Read More >"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball…"
~Jacques Barzun, 1954
