Former San Diego Padre Official Rhoda Polley Dies

Hours after listening to a radio account of the San Diego Padres’ 1-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, Rhoda Polley, longtime administrative assistant for the team, died at her San Diego home early Wednesday morning of complications from cancer and a stroke.

Polley, 65, had managed the Padres’ front office since 1979 and was known as a mother figure to many of the players. Her battle with cancer, which was discovered this winter in her hip, became a source of inspiration to several Padre veterans. She threw out the first ball at both spring training in Yuma, Ariz., and on opening night in San Diego April 3, after which she announced her retirement.

She is survived by her brother, Bill Valentine, who entered her room at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday and could not wake her. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Garden Chapel at Greenwood Mortuary. Representing the Padre baseball team will be Manager Jack McKeon and pitcher Ed Whitson, both of whom will fly to San Diego after Whitson pitches against the Pirates here tonight. Both will miss Friday afternoon’s game at Chicago.

Officials are considering a commemorative arm band being added to Padre uniforms, such as the one the Padres wore in 1984 in memory of late owner Ray Kroc. “I don’t know what I want to say,” said a visibly touched McKeon, who was Polley’s immediate supervisor when he was general manager from 1980 to 1988. “I am deeply saddened. We have lost a loyal friend. She was always my guiding light. It makes you realize, this game doesn’t mean as much.”