University Southern California Trojans
Orrin Freeman, Member of 1970 and 71 NCAA Championship Baseball Teams and Former MLB Executive, Dies
February 26, 2020 | Baseball, Features
Freeman pitched on the 1970 and 71 title teams and then stayed on as an assistant coach under Rod Dedeaux for two seasons before leaving to be the head coach at San Francisco State. Freeman had a Hall of Fame career at the helm for the Gators, amassing a 130-78-3 (.630) record.
He left San Francisco State to become an MLB scout, working for the New York Yankees and Montreal Expos before being hired as the director of international scouting for the expansion Florida Marlins in 1991. He worked for the Marlins for 28 years. During his time with the franchise, he helped the Marlins to two World Series titles, was named the special assistant to the general manager in 1998, was named West Coast Scout of the Year in 2014 and was presented the George Genovese Lifetime Achievement Award in scouting at the 2015 Scouts Dinner.
Freeman managed his diabetes since childhood, but his health took a turn for the worse in early 2018. He wasn't able to return to full-time work after that point.
Sad to hear of the passing of Orrin Freeman. Proud USC Trojan and NCAA champion (Didn't hurt that Fred Lynn was on his team). Original Marlin. Extraordinary scout and person. RIP
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 22, 2020
Orrin Freeman, an original Marlin, was one of my favorite people in baseball, a brilliant guy, great scout and absolute gentleman. RIP
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 21, 2020
This is a crusher. Orrin was such a great man. In my MiLB days, Orrin would always listen to my radio broadcast as he scouted the games. He actually wrote me up on a scouting report once as a "Must-acquire. Future MLB broadcaster." Filled me with confidence. RIP, Orrin. https://t.co/3UMOubbSF6
— Brian Anderson (@BAndersonPxP) February 22, 2020
People you meet along the way: Not many outside game new name of Orrin Freeman, but he was a very, very gentle soul, nice as could be and dedicated to his craft. May his memory be a blessing. https://t.co/WW1hSHdmDk
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) February 21, 2020
R.I.P. Orrin Freeman. Quietly had an amazing impact on the Marlins organization and made many friends across the baseball industry. https://t.co/PwH1B4Cdo3
— Fish Stripes (@fishstripes) February 22, 2020
