Fansided

Kevin Towers: A tribute to the MLB-talent guru

By Neil Harrington |
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 06: Manager Kirk Gibson of the Arizona Diamondbacks receives the NL Manager of the Year Award from GM Kevin Towers before the Opening Day game against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field on April 6, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Giants 5-4. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 06: Manager Kirk Gibson of the Arizona Diamondbacks receives the NL Manager of the Year Award from GM Kevin Towers before the Opening Day game against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field on April 6, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Diamondbacks defeated the Giants 5-4. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

We mourn the loss of Kevin Towers, the former General Manager of the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Kevin Towers left a legacy and impact on the MLB world, far more profound than the game of baseball. After a 14 month courageous battle with cancer, Kevin Towers left us way too soon, at the young age of 56. Only the good die young.

Towers’ dream of playing in MLB fell short while playing Minor League Baseball, but he was just getting started. His time as General Manager of the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks generated success on the baseball diamond, but his fun-loving and honest person is what’s remembered the most.

He racked up a total of three National League West Division titles ( Twice in San Diego), with a 1998 World Series appearance against the legendary New York Yankees. Even though the Padres were blanked by the Bronx Bombers in four straight games, it was an October to remember in sunny San Diego.

Former Red Sox pitcher and MLB free agent Craig Breslow caught up with WEEI.com, revealing how much of a lasting impact Kevin Towers left on his life.

So where would I have ended up without Kevin Towers? Without the man willing to take a gamble on an independent ball signee treading water in the minor leagues? Really? Probably not remotely close to where I am today.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred echoed Breslow, praising Towers.

Kevin Towers devoted his life to baseball. After playing in the minors and coaching, Kevin spent nearly 20 years as a general manager who was known for great talent evaluation.

Breslow: “I didn’t realize how integral Kevin Towers was to my career trajectory until I asked the question: How much different would things have been without KT?”?

As a kid, I grew up in San Diego, watching the likes of Tony Gwynn and Trevor Hoffman, but Kevin Towers left a tremendous impact on me. I remember meeting him at a Padres meet and greet at the old Jack Murphy Stadium, where he firmly shook my hand and said: “Thanks for coming young, man.”

Even though I moved to Missouri in 1999 and converted to St. Louis Cardinals fandom, a piece of me will always be a Padre. I’ll never forget the 1996 Ken Caminiti MVP season and the 1998 World Series run in San Diego — attributed vastly to Kevin Towers.

Those who knew him best remembered his utter hatred for his rivals, especially the Dodgers, who according to Towers, celebrated “too much.” His passion and generosity carried over to his players, no doubt enhancing their performance on the field. Kevin Towers always got the best out of his players, turning unknowns into MLB All-Stars.

Next: Tony Gwynn: Mr. Padre’s legend and legacy in San Diego

Rest in Peace, Mr. Towers. Thanks for the beautiful memories you gave this young Padres’ fan. You are always with us, and we will see you on the other side, scouting out elite talent on the glorious field of dreams in Heaven.

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