ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.—The Tampa Bay Rays have announced two promotions within the Baseball Operations department: Chuck Ricci has been promoted to Director, Amateur Scouting and David Hamlett has been promoted to Assistant Director, Amateur Scouting.
Ricci (RICH-EE), 53, joined the Rays in October 2013 and has served as National Crosschecker for the last nine seasons. In his new role, he is responsible for all day-to-day scouting activities within the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico in preparation for the draft. Prior to the Rays, Ricci was the National Crosschecker for the Cleveland Indians from 2005-12. He joined the Indians as an Area Scout for the mid-Atlantic region in 1998, and was later promoted to Regional Crosschecker in 2000. Ricci was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round of the 1987 Amateur Draft out of Shawnee (N.J.) High School and spent 11 seasons in the minors as a right-handed pitcher with the Orioles (1987-93), Philadelphia Phillies (94-95), Boston Red Sox (1996), Oakland Athletics (1997) and Montreal Expos (1997) organizations. He appeared in seven games in relief with the Phillies in 1995, his only career major league action. He and his wife, Anne, reside in Williamsburg, Va., and have two children: Ryan and Gabby.
“We’re lucky to have a talented amateur staff that’s prepared for greater duties and it starts with Chuck,” said Rays President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander. “He’s approachable, collaborative, and as a leader he will bring out the very best in our operation.”
Hamlett, 30, has served as Amateur Scouting Coordinator since October 2021. In his new role, he will maintain constant communication with all scouts, while assisting with the day-to-day scouting activities within the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico in preparation for the draft. Hamlett joined the Rays as a Developmental Scout in February 2017 before being promoted to Area Scout, where he covered the southwest region of the U.S. for four seasons. Prior to joining the Rays, he spent the 2016 season as a video scouting intern for the San Diego Padres. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sports management at Coppin State University, where he played two seasons on the baseball team, and earned his master’s from Ohio University, where he played one season on the baseball team.
“David has a wide range of talents,” said Neander. “He’s made the most of his experiences and we’re excited to see him flourish with more responsibility.”
