He was always busy scouting talent for the organization. When Zielinski did make a rare visit to Wrigley Field, he was always humble (as is the case with most scouts), never wanting credit.

But as the Cubs also pointed out in their news release, some of Zielinski’s finds over the years included the likes of Cliff Floyd, a first-rounder of the Montreal Expos during Stan’s days with that organization. Zielinski also was instrumental in the Cubs drafting pitcher Jeff Samardzija in 2006.

Stan’s influence wasn’t only limited to the draft. When the Cubs and Hendry were in the process of trading popular infielder-outfielder Mark DeRosa to Cleveland after the 2008 season, Zielinski was vocal in his belief that the Cubs should ask for pitcher Chris Archer as part of the return package. Hendry acquired Archer and subsequently traded him to Tampa Bay, but he went on to be an all-star for the Rays.

As for Schwarber, he already has turned into a folk hero for Cubs fans, largely because of his batting exploits during the 2015 postseason and his comeback from last April’s knee surgery, a comeback that culminated in Schwarber defying the medical odds and playing in the World Series this past fall.

Zielinski grew up in Northbrook, attended Loyola Academy and played college baseball at St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota. In addition to scouting for the Cubs and Expos, he also scouted for the Marlins.