Doug Melvin & Bruce Seid (right) during 2009 draft. PHOTO: Brewers.mlblogs.com

The Milwaukee Brewers are mourning the death of Bruce Seid, their director of amateur scouting.  Seid has been a member of the organization for 17 years and passed away unexpectedly while visiting family in Las Vegas.  He was 53.

In a statement this morning, Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said, “We are stunned and devastated by the news of Bruce’s passing.  He was a great friend to all of us, and no words can describe the sense of loss we feel.  There are only a few people who have been with the Brewers as long as Bruce, and he was a kind and highly respected member of our organization.

“There are also very few who worked with the passion and dedication to the Brewers that Bruce did.  A number of current players on our roster were given the opportunity to play major league baseball because of Bruce, and he was so proud of them.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Erika, and all of Bruce’s family.”

Seid was in his sixth season as the teams director of amateur scouting.

Brewers pitcher Mike Fiers was the first player selected during Seid’s tenure as scouting director to play in the majors.  Fiers was taken in the 22nd round of the 2009 draft out of Nova Southeastern University.

Seid’s scouting career began in 1992 with San Diego.  He was a former fourth-round draft choice of the Chicago Cubs in 1980, spending three seasons in the minor leagues as a second baseman.