ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Funeral services will be Wednesday in Katy, Texas, for longtime St. Louis Cardinals scouting director Fred McAlister.

The Cardinals said McAlister died Sunday after an undisclosed illness. He was 80.

McAlister was scouting director from 1980 through 1993. He was most recently a special assignment scout for the team.

McAlister had been part of the Cardinals organization since 1945, when he signed as an infielder. He played in the farm system through 1960, serving at various times as a player-coach or player-manager.

McAlister's drafts produced more than 70 players who played for the Cardinals, and 17 players who reached the majors with other organizations. Among the Cardinals he chose were Vince Coleman, Danny Cox, Todd Worrell and Ray Lankford.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)