Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Padres Appoint Former Pitcher Craig Stammen as New Manager
The San Diego Padres baseball team has a new manager named Craig Stammen.
He used to be a pitcher for the team and just retired a few years ago.
After retiring, he stayed with the team to help in the office.
The team's general manager said Craig knows the team very well and is a natural leader.
This choice was a bit surprising because Craig's name wasn't mentioned when they were looking for a manager.
He signed a contract for three years.
He is also unique because he is the only former pitcher who is currently a manager in Major League Baseball.
The team hopes this new manager will help them win their first World Series.
The San Diego Padres have appointed former relief pitcher Craig Stammen as their new manager.
Stammen, who retired three years ago, has signed a three-year contract with the team.
He replaces Mike Shildt, who recently retired after managing the Padres.
Stammen played 13 seasons in MLB, with his final six spent as a relief pitcher for the Padres.
Following his playing career, Stammen served as a special assistant to the Padres' major league staff and baseball operations.
- Who
- Craig Stammen, former MLB relief pitcher and special assistant
- What
- Hired as the new manager of the San Diego Padres
- When
- Recently announced, following the retirement of Mike Shildt
- Where
- San Diego Padres organization
- Why
- General Manager A.J. Preller cited Stammen's deep organizational knowledge and natural leadership qualities, aiming to revitalize the team's approach and competitive advantage.
Conventional Managerial Candidate
Craig Stammen's Unique Background
Managerial Search Process
Conventional Managerial Candidate
The Padres interviewed several applicants, including notable names like Albert Pujols and Nick Hundley, suggesting a traditional search for experienced candidates.
Craig Stammen's Unique Background
Craig Stammen's name was not mentioned during the interview process, making his selection a surprise and indicating a less conventional approach to hiring.
Managerial Experience
Conventional Managerial Candidate
Typical candidates often have extensive coaching or managerial experience at various levels before taking on a Major League Baseball team.
Craig Stammen's Unique Background
Stammen is a recent retiree from his playing career and his primary experience post-playing has been as a special assistant, not in a direct managing role.
League Trends
Conventional Managerial Candidate
While some teams are looking to integrate former players, Stammen stands out as the only former pitcher currently managing in MLB.
Craig Stammen's Unique Background
The league is observing a trend of teams hiring former players for leadership, but Stammen's specific background as a pitcher in a manager role is unusual.
- New Manager
- Craig Stammen
- Contract Length
- 3 years
- Stammen's Playing Career
- 13 seasons, primarily as a relief pitcher
- Stammen's Padres Tenure (Playing)
- Final 6 seasons (2017-2022)
- Stammen's Post-Playing Role
- Special Assistant to Baseball Operations and Major League Staff
- Predecessor
- Mike Shildt (retired)
