The Northwoods League serves the purpose of preparing players to succeed at the major league level, and Scott's mindset is the same.
Signing to play professionally at the age of seventeen, Scott has seen several sides of the big leagues not only as a player but a manager as well. “I use the experience I had in the majors to help prepare these guys and get them focused,” Scott said. “I try to teach them to have the tough mentality of I’m going to play in the big leagues some day.”
Scott was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the second round of the 1979 amateur draft. He made his major league debut for the team in 1983. Throughout his professional career he spent his time as a catcher for the Rangers, Seattle Mariners, and Cincinnati Reds. Scott officially retired from playing the game in 1991.
After finishing his career behind the plate, Scott went on to manage the Rookie level Billings Mustangs (Montana) of the Pioneer League. During that time he navigated the organization to four league championships.
In all his years of success with Mallards, he claims it's the players he will remember the most, not the wins or losses.
“The championship ring I wear on my finger is like a photo album of memories,” Scott said. “I can look at it and remember all the players and the season we shared together, not necessarily the record we earned.”
DONNIE SCOTT