Remembering Charles Peterson
The Georgia Scouts Association is mourning the passing of Charles Peterson. CP was a thorough, hard-working area scout who covered Georgia for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was beloved in the Georgia baseball community, and known throughout the game for his positive attitude, sense of humor, and deep love for the game of baseball.
The GSA extends its deepest condolences to Charles’ family. For more information on CP’s celebration of life and how to support CP’s family in this time, please visit this memorial page.
On this page, we have included some memories from people who know how special Pete was.
“I was 23 years old and had been invite to coach/evaluate USA Baseball’s Tournament of Stars by Brant Ust. I was young and naive and was surrounded by some of the game’s best baseball minds and evaluators.
Our first day on the field, I forgot my BP top in the hotel. Charles saw me in a panic and literally gave me the shirt off of his back and said ‘I’m Pete.’
Later that night we talked for hours, late into the early morning and when we had to get up for early breakfast, he was knocking on my door. He showed me the way.
He taught me how to always trust my instincts when it comes to players and if I did the work, don’t let anyone talk me out of my own opinion.
A couple of years later at the same event I fell in love with young Andrew Vaughn. I voiced my opinion and Pete looked over at me and whispered, “Don’t forgot your BP top tomorrow,” while smiling so big. You could sense he felt so proud. And I felt even more proud because he was someone I greatly looked up to.
I honestly owe so much to Pete. He taught me so much and I would still be that kid forgetting his BP top had it not been for Charles.”
“As an area scout, you typically spend more time around the other scouts in your area than you do with your family and your own co-workers.
Wherever we were, Pete could always put a smile on my face. It didn’t matter if it was his 10th consecutive day on the road, or if we were in the middle of nowhere waiting to (maybe) see a reliever, or if we were stuck at Lakepoint until 2 AM because of rainouts, Pete was always a positive presence. He was a constant reminder to enjoy what you’re doing and take nothing for granted.
I remember covering one of his players in the Cardinals system in my second year scouting. We talked about a player he had signed. I remember Pete saying that he was happy to have signed this kid, regardless of whether he made it to the big leagues or not. Pete believed in his organization’s ability to help that kid develop as a baseball player but even more so as a person. Pete believed in providing opportunities for young men of all backgrounds.
He always hustled, but he taught me about working smart and always encouraged me to spend more time with my family and friends. I’ll always remember him saying ‘If you’re giving the Dbacks a hard 90, you better be giving your people a hard 90 too.’
That’s just who he was. I’ll never forget you Pete. Thank you for everything that you did for me and our game and our communities. I love you man.”