Joe Stephenson, a legendary scout for nearly 50 years with the Boston Red Sox, passed away Thursday at the age of 80.

Stephenson, who caught for the Giants, Cubs and White Sox from 1943-'47, signed more than 50 major league players, including Fred Lynn, Ken Brett, Glenn Hoffman, Bill Lee and Dwight Evans. He also signed his son Jerry, who pitched in the major leagues for the Red Sox, Seattle Pilots and Dodgers. Jerry Stephenson, 57, is a scout and special assistant to the General Manager of the Red Sox.

Stephenson passed away at home in Fullerton, Calif.

"When they open the Hall of Fame to scouts," Seattle GM Pat Gillick once said, "Big Joe will be one of the first men in the door."