A New Era Begins for the Padres with Craig Stammen

The San Diego Padres have made a bold move by hiring Craig Stammen as their new manager. This choice is unexpected, as Stammen is not a well-known figure among baseball fans. However, he is highly respected within the game, especially by those who have worked closely with him.

A Familiar Face with a New Role

Stammen, who spent six years as a relief pitcher for the Padres, has signed a three-year contract to take on this new role. At 41 years old, he will be learning the ropes of managing while already being familiar with the team and its culture.

From Player to Manager

Before becoming a manager, Stammen worked as a special assistant in the player development department for the past two years. In this role, he split his time between working with minor league players and spending time with the major league team. This experience has given him a unique perspective on the organization and its players.

Leadership and Legacy

During his time as a pitcher for the Padres, Stammen was known for his leadership skills. He was a mentor and a sounding board for many of his teammates, including star player Manny Machado. Stammen's ability to connect with his teammates and provide guidance was a valuable asset to the team.

Memorable Moments

One of Stammen's most memorable moments as a player came on October 2, 2020. In a crucial game against the Cardinals, he pitched 1⅔ scoreless innings, helping the Padres secure a 4-0 victory. This win was the team's first postseason series win since 1998 and is still remembered fondly by fans.

A Fresh Approach

Despite his lack of managerial experience, Stammen impressed the Padres' top officials during the interview process. They were drawn to his genuine communication style, his strong convictions about team management, and his deep knowledge of the organization.

A Team on the Rise

The Padres have had a revolving door of managers in recent years, with three different managers since 2020. Stammen will be the team's 19th full-time manager and will inherit a team that has won 183 games over the past two seasons. This is the most wins in franchise history in consecutive campaigns.

Challenges Ahead

With most of the team's core players returning, Stammen will have a solid foundation to build upon. However, he will also face the challenge of filling two coaching positions, as the hitting coach and third base coach have both left for other teams.