Ehlers began his career in baseball as a scout for the Athletics, where he was known for his keen eye for talent. He was instrumental in signing several players who would go on to have successful careers in the major leagues. His ability to identify and recruit promising players earned him a reputation as one of the best scouts in the game.
In 1951, Ehlers was promoted to the position of Assistant General Manager of the Athletics. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the team's scouting and player development operations. He was also involved in player trades and contract negotiations.
In 1954, Ehlers was hired as the General Manager of the Baltimore Orioles, a team that had recently relocated from St. Louis and was in the process of rebuilding. Ehlers was tasked with assembling a competitive team, a challenge he embraced with enthusiasm.
During his tenure with the Orioles, Ehlers made several key player acquisitions that helped to improve the team's performance. He also continued to focus on scouting and player development, believing that a strong farm system was the key to long-term success.
Despite his efforts, the Orioles struggled on the field, and Ehlers was replaced as General Manager in 1955. However, his contributions to the team were not forgotten. Many of the players he signed and developed went on to have successful careers, and his emphasis on building a strong farm system laid the groundwork for the Orioles' future success.
After leaving the Orioles, Ehlers continued to work in baseball as a scout for several teams, including the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Athletics. He remained involved in the game until his retirement, always maintaining his passion for scouting and player development.
Throughout his career, Art Ehlers was respected for his knowledge of the game and his ability to identify and develop talent. His contributions to the teams he worked with, particularly the Baltimore Orioles, left a lasting legacy in the world of baseball.
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