Padres’ Roster Includes Grandson of Former Executive Al Campanis
PEORIA, Ariz. — Move over Tony Gwynn. Make way for Jim Campanis.
The San Diego Padres locker where Gwynn’s No. 19 once hung is now occupied by Campanis, a catcher and the grandson of former executive Al Campanis. Campanis, a former standout from Valencia High, spent last season at the Angels’ Class-A affiliate at Lake Elsinore.
Rookie Manager Bruce Bochy settled on a lineup for the team’s first exhibition Friday against the Angels.
The starting pitcher will be left-hander Pete Roberts, 29, a former Padre farmhand who hasn’t pitched professionally since 1991 and most recently worked in mortgage banking.
“I appreciate the opportunity,” Roberts said. “The first game is always the tough one. You’re just trying to get your rhythm, throw strikes and get your breaking ball over the plate.”
Among the former major-leaguers now in the Padres’ big-league clubhouse are outfielder Tony Walker, shortstop Guy Sularz, third baseman Larry See and pitchers Dan Boone, Ray Chadwick and Rick Lysander.
Notable minor leaguers who refused to cross over include outfielder Billy Bean, third baseman Archi Cianfrocco and pitchers Erik Plantenberg, Hilly Hathaway and Dustin Hermanson.
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