Wilmer served the baseball community for years, both as a player and a scout.
Highlights
- Wilmer Reid, a revered figure in Philadelphia’s baseball community, passed away at the age of 89.
- Reid made significant contributions as a scout in the Philadelphia region for 13 years, from 2012 to 2024, and was deeply passionate about the sport.
- The baseball community, including the Philadelphia Phillies and former players, expressed deep sorrow over Reid’s passing and remembered his invaluable impact on their lives and careers.
Wilmer Reid, a revered figure in Philadelphia’s baseball community, passed away at the age of 89. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in the city’s rich baseball history.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Reid was a graduate of West Philadelphia High School.
Details about his immediate family, including his wife and children, have not been publicly disclosed.
The Philadelphia Phillies organization extended their condolences to the Reid family, acknowledging the profound loss.
The Philadelphia Phillies And The Broader Baseball Community Mourns Reid’s Passing
The baseball community has expressed deep sorrow over Reid’s passing.
The Philadelphia Phillies released a statement mourning his loss and highlighting his invaluable contributions as a scout in the Philadelphia region for 13 years, from 2012 to 2024.
They noted his unmatched passion for baseball and scouting, emphasizing that his presence at games and events will be greatly missed.
Chris Berroa, a former baseball mentee of Reid, shared a personal tribute on social media:
Wilmer Reid you will forever be a Legend in my Book. Because of you and Dana Brown and of course some hard work, I got Drafted out of High school By the Washington Nationals in 2007. At the time you were one of the head area scouts for the Nationals and I will never forget you calling me Congratulating me on getting picked up by them.
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Wilmer Reid Had A Storied Career In Baseball, Beginning In The Negro Leagues
Reid’s baseball journey began with the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro Leagues, where he played during the 1957 and 1958 seasons.
His tenure in the Negro Leagues placed him among the pioneering African American athletes who paved the way for future generations in the sport.
Following his playing career, Reid dedicated himself to scouting, bringing his expertise to several Major League Baseball organizations, including the Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, and Washington Nationals.
In 2012, he joined the Philadelphia Phillies as a scout, a role he fulfilled with distinction for over a decade.
His deep knowledge of the game and keen eye for talent made him an invaluable asset to the Phillies’ scouting department.
Ran into my friend Wilmer Reid the other day. 86 years young, former Negro League player, LONGTIME @MLB Scout & above all a GREAT GUY! Currently getting some work in for the @Phillies and still loving what he does! Great to see him! pic.twitter.com/cTuBHNjqGG
— Craig Noto (@TheNoto24) September 23, 2021
Beyond his professional achievements, Reid was instrumental in preserving and promoting the legacy of the Negro Leagues.
He actively participated in events and educational programs aimed at honoring the history of African American baseball in Philadelphia.
His efforts ensured that the stories and contributions of Negro League players remained alive for future generations.
Reid’s commitment to the sport extended to mentoring young athletes and scouts, sharing his experiences and insights to foster the growth of baseball talent in the region.
His legacy is reflected in the numerous players and professionals he influenced throughout his illustrious career.
As the Philadelphia baseball community mourns the loss of Wilmer Reid, they also celebrate a life dedicated to the sport.
His contributions as a player, scout, and mentor have left an indelible mark on the game and will be remembered for years to come.
Additional Information
- The first successful Negro League, the Negro National League, was established in 1920 by Rube Foster.
- The leagues were formed due to racial segregation in professional baseball, which excluded African American players from Major League Baseball (MLB) until 1947.
- In 2020, MLB recognized the Negro Leagues as major leagues, incorporating their statistics into MLB’s official records.
- Reid was honored with the Bill “Pickles” Kennedy Award by the Oldtimers Bats and Balls Association, recognizing his significant contributions to baseball.
