Mel J. Didier Sr.

Didier, Mel J. Sr.
Mel J. Didier, Sr., legendary MLB scout, college and high school coach, passed away in the evening of September 10, 2017. He was 91. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Elena, and children Mel, Jr. (wife Susan), Bob, Cindee, Lori D. Stevens (husband Kevin), brother Gerald (wife Marti), 11 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Mel was the son of Edith and Robert I. Didier, Sr. He was preceded in death by brothers Robert, Clyde, Raymond and Pearce. Mel grew up in Baton Rouge, LA. He had a storied career at LSU in football and baseball and signed with the Detroit Tigers. Mel became a most talented coach, molding young men to become better athletes and human beings. He inspired countless men at the high school, college and professional level of baseball. Mel's greatest work was in Major League Baseball as a scout and executive with three major league expansion teams, namely Expos, Mariners and D'Backs. His ability to organize and create great minor league teams made him highly sought after. He was noted for saying "Podnuh, you look for what a young man can do." He worked with the Los Angeles Dodgers influencing the famous Kirk Gibson home run and a victory in the 1988 World Series. His latest role was as a senior advisor for the Toronto Blue Jays. In more than 60 years in professional baseball, he earned the respect of his peers. Mel left a legacy of an ability to see raw talent and project greatness. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, September 25th at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 10815 N. 84th St., Scottsdale, AZ In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Professional Baseball Scouts' Foundation, 3914 Corte Cancion, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Indian School Mortuary, Scottsdale, AZ