What was the relationship between Caminiti and Gwynn?
Good: The relationship between Cammy and Gwynn was interesting. For the first couple of seasons, their relationship was close. In his first spring training with the Padres, Ken followed Tony around the complex and he would ask him for advice in moving forward with his professional career. Caminiti trusted the Hall of Famer.
But in the later years, there was friction between the two. Yes, disagreements occurred, but nothing major. I think Caminiti wanted Tony to have a more camaraderie relationship with the team. But Gwynn was a homebody, especially on the road. Ken wanted him to show more outward emotions in a manner like Trevor Hoffman and himself did in the clubhouse, dugout and games.
Gwynn was never going to be that type of leader. And that is okay. In the end, Tony was tired of Ken’s struggles off the field. Ultimately, you wonder how much he knew about Caminiti’s steroid use. Let’s not forget that Ken played through a torn rotator cuff and did not miss any playing time from surgery the following season. This type of recovery was unheard of at that time in baseball.
Caminiti struggled with substance abuse once again in 1997-98. He was not dependable as his off-the-field actions were detrimental to the team.
One incident in the book was Gwynn having Cammy’s friends thrown out of the locker room. Both sides could have handled the situation differently. Tony could have spoken with Ken. But at the same time, those individuals should not have been in the clubhouse either.
It was two different personalities that saw life differently. No person should think any less of them. It was relationship between two athletes who played four seasons together and friction was bound to occur. Outwardly, they were very respectful of one another despite their issues.
Let’s discuss Caminiti’s magical 1996 season (.326 with 40 HRs and 130 RBI) that won him the National League MVP award. Did Ken understand how important he was to keeping baseball in San Diego?
Good: Yes, it is the same conclusion that everyone I spoke with for the book said as well. The 1996 season was a huge moment in Padres team history and personally for Caminiti.
He played the entire season with a torn rotator cuff. The odds were high that Ken would have a disappointing season or find himself on the injury list. Instead, Cammy has a monster season that no one anticipated.
It seemed like every game was electric. Who could forget the “Snickers” game in Monterrey or Ken throwing out a runner at first from the seat of his pants? The season brought so many moments that will remain with Padres fans forever.
The momentum of 1996 pushed the team to their 1998 World Series appearance, despite the detour that took place in 1997. It gave the front office a glimpse of their future and forced them to acquire Kevin Brown. Trevor Hoffman emergences as an elite closer. Thank God the team did not trade Greg Vaughn in 1997.
Ken appreciated his relationship with the Friar Faithful. After he retired from baseball, Cammy looked fondly on his Padres career. But I do not believe Ken ever understood how beloved he was by the San Diego fans.
At the final game at the Q in 2003, Caminiti has a panic attack before his name is announced to the sellout crowd. He feared the fans would boo him. Instead, Ken gets a rousing ovation as the Padres fans love and adore him. I wish he had more time to look back on his career with the Padres as Ken connected with the city in a neat way during the 1996 season.
Can you give Padres fans one tidbit about the infamous “Snickers” game in Monterrey?
Good: It was an amazing feat, especially when you re-watch him running around the bases. Cammy was woozy and hurting. He had taken two liters of IV fluids to keep himself upright. But his swings were explosive all game long. Remember, the dugouts were far away from home plate. And after his first home run, Cammy walked all thirty steps back to the Padres dugout. Why? Well, he was out of gas. His body was running on fumes.
People give Michael Jordan credit for his performance in the “Flu” game. But that was in the NBA Finals. Caminiti’s performance came in a regular-season contest as he could have easily not played. However, that was not his personality. Cammy was going to play if it was physically possible. Monterrey was a career-defining moment. And you cannot compare the results to another sports moment.