Kapstein Gives Up Control of Padres’ Daily Operations

Jerry Kapstein announced Wednesday that he is stepping down immediately as the Padres’ top executive.

The announcement came the same day that sources confirmed that Linda Smith, Kapstein’s wife and the daughter of Padre owner Joan Kroc, is seeking a divorce.

“I was asked by Mrs. Kroc to perform two separate functions,” Kapstein said in a statement. “First, to negotiate the sale of the Padres. This has been accomplished. Secondly, to act as her personal representative to oversee the Padres’ day-to-day operation. . . . Under the present circumstances, however, I do not feel it is appropriate for me to continue to act as Mrs. Kroc’s personal representative in overseeing the day to day operation of the Padres. Joan knows, however, that I will continue to be available to her until the club is transferred.”

Jack McKeon, manager and vice president, will continue to run baseball operations, and Dick Freeman will remain as team president.

Kapstein, who was a player agent until last November, was named by Kroc on Feb. 22 to oversee all aspects of the club’s operation. He had no formal title but was accountable for the entire organization.

He played a lead role in helping Kroc sell the Padres to a 10-member investment group led by Hollywood television producer Tom Werner; it was announced April 2 that the group had filed a letter-of-intent to buy the Padres. The deal must be approved at the major league owners meeting in Cleveland June 12-13.

Kapstein had stated that he intended to step down once the sale was completed.

The sale is expected to push the net worth of Kroc past $1 billion. A principal shareholder in McDonald’s Corp., Kroc’s personal fortune is estimated at $950 million. Smith is her only child.

Smith, ex-wife of former Padre President Ballard Smith, married Kapstein 18 months ago.