Here’s a Twist: Garvey Is Trying to Become Player-Owner of Padres

SAN DIEGO — Steve Garvey is trying to raise enough money to buy the San Diego Padres, the team for which he plays first base.

It is believed that he would be baseball’s first player-owner if he succeeds.

“What better way (for a minority owner) to get a feel for the clubhouse than being there?” he said with a laugh Monday.

Garvey said two groups called him Monday to say they were interested in helping him financially. Two other groups called him last week, and he plans to speak with still another two groups later this week. He also is calling many of his business associates, past and present, to see if they want in.

Current owner Joan Kroc’s asking price is a reported $50 million.

Said Garvey, who would not name the interested groups: “My parameters (for potential co-owners) are that the team remain here in San Diego and that there are commitments from the people involved to do whatever it takes to put us (the Padres) on top. That means that the proper financial resources be put into it.

“Obviously, my position would be as part owner but also as managing partner. The 17 years of experience I’ve had from on the field to public relations to marketing to promotions, etc., would be a pretty good base of understanding.”

Garvey recently had lunch with Ballard Smith, the Padres’ president, and told Smith what he was up to.

“(Smith) said, ‘If you put something together, just call and we’ll get together and talk,’ ” Garvey said. “And we’re working diligently on it. . . . The sooner it’s done the better, because a lame-duck situation (with Kroc) is one that I don’t think is good for any of the parties involved.”

About two weeks ago, Garvey got a call from two groups who wanted his advice about buying the Padres. He said he realized then how much he wanted to be in charge of a baseball club.

But if Garvey does buy the team, what happens with:

--His contract? He’ll be signing his own paycheck, of course. And what happens when his current $1.25-million contract expires after this season? With whom will he negotiate?

--His playing status? What if his manager benches him? But then, what manager would have the nerve to bench him?

“Well, they’d have to rely on my integrity as a person,” Garvey said.

--His duties in the front office?

“Well,” he said, “I may be chief executive officer, but I’d bring in someone who would handle the daily operations of the club while I’m playing. . . . This would be a first, wouldn’t it?”