Roland Hemond is a legendary figure in the world of baseball, having spent over 50 years in the sport as a player, scout, and executive. Hemond began his career as a minor league player in the 1950s before transitioning to scouting and player development in the 1960s. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the best talent evaluators in the game, helping to build successful teams in both the minor and major leagues.

In the 1970s, Hemond became a general manager for the Chicago White Sox, where he helped turn the struggling franchise into a contender. He made several key trades and signings that helped the team win the American League West division in 1983, their first playoff appearance in 24 years. Hemond's success with the White Sox earned him the Executive of the Year award in 1983.

After leaving the White Sox in 1985, Hemond became the general manager of the Baltimore Orioles. He continued his success in Baltimore, helping to build a team that won the American League East division in 1989. Hemond's tenure with the Orioles was marked by his ability to find and develop young talent, including future stars like Cal Ripken Jr. and Mike Mussina.

In the 1990s, Hemond moved on to become the general manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, a new expansion team that began play in 1998. Hemond was instrumental in building the Diamondbacks from scratch, helping to assemble a team that won the National League West division in just their second season. Hemond's success with the Diamondbacks earned him the Executive of the Year award for the third time in his career.

Throughout his career, Hemond was known for his ability to evaluate talent and build successful teams. He was also respected for his integrity and his commitment to the game of baseball. Hemond was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011, recognizing his contributions to the sport over more than five decades.

👔