Bill Kelso, former player and scout, dies

Bill Kelso, who started the original Kelso’s restaurant chain along with making a name for himself as a professional baseball player and scout, died Monday, May 11, at his home. He was 69 years old.

He died in his favorite chair while watching sports, said Jeff Kelso, Bill’s son.

Jeff Kelso said his father spent a career of nearly 40 years in the baseball world first as a player then as a coach and scout.

Kelso began his baseball career with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1962. He was then traded to the California Angels where he spent three seasons from 1964 to 1967. He played his final game with the Cincinnati Reds in 1968.

After completion of his playing career in the 1960s, he coached and was a professional scout for 30 years.

119 career games, including 69 in 1967.
Best wishes to his family.