Longtime SF Giants executive Dick Tidrow passes away at 74

Longtime SF Giants executive Dick Tidrow has passed away at the age of 74, according to a report by Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic. Tidrow served in many capacities for the Giants but is best known for his time as the organization’s farm director from 1997-2005. One of the most trusted scouting voices in the organization, Tidrow was considered highly influential in the franchise’s drafting and development of Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Madison Bumgarner, and Jonathan Sanchez, four starting pitchers who would play pivotal roles in multiple World Series champions.

Former pitcher and SF Giants executive Dick Tidrow passed away at 74.

While Tidrow is probably more known for his work after his playing career, the Hayward, California native had a noteworthy track record on the mound as well. Drafted by the Washington Senators out of high school in 1965, Tidrow opted to attend nearby Chabot College. At Chabot, Tidrow began receiving significant attention from scouts and was drafted three more times (once by the Cincinnati Reds, once by the Giants, and once by Cleveland) before signing with Cleveland in 1967.

Some early injuries stalled his development, but in 1972, Tidrow debuted in Cleveland’s rotation and posted a 2.37 ERA of 237.1 innings over the course of a fantastic rookie season. After two more seasons in Cleveland, Tidrow was acquired by the New York Yankees in a trade, where he would find a home as a reliever and help the Bronx Bombers win World Series titles in 1977 and 1978.

Tidrow was traded to Chicago Cubs in the middle of the 1979 season and played his home games at Wrigley Field until he was shipped across town to the Chicago White Sox before the 1983 season. He spent one year with the White Sox before finishing his career with the New York Mets in 1984. Tidrow finished his career with a 100-94 record, having appeared in 620 games (138) starts, completed 1746.2 innings, and posting a 3.68 ERA

When he retired, Tidrow immediately joined the Yankees staff as a special assignment scout in 1985, where he worked through 1993. Then, his good friend Brian Sabean brought him aboard the Giants staff as an MLB scout. He quickly became a special assistant to the general manager before settling in as the farm director.

The entire Around the Foghorn staff send our condolences out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Dick Tidrow.