Kevin Towers, the former General Manager of the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks, passed away Tuesday from thyroid cancer.
Padres Executive Chairman Ron Fowler and General Partner Peter Seidler released a statement via Twitter, saying, “We are profoundly saddened by the loss of Kevin Towers, who passed away early this morning after a courageous battle with cancer. Kevin spent nearly thirty years in the Padres Organization as a player, scout and front office executive. He led our Club with strength, conviction and unwavering determination, and was beloved by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, especially his wonderful wife, Kelly.”
Former San Diego Padres GM, Kevin Towers, Passes Away at 56
Kevin Towers, one of the greatest people this game has ever known, and the ultimate fighter, has passed away from cancer. Unbelievable. He will be greatly missed. Loved that man
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 30, 2018
RIP, Kevin Towers. One of my all-time favorite people, gone much too soon.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 30, 2018
Kevin Towers kept his fight with cancer private until #Astros manager AJ Hinch revealed it during the World Series.
Towers was one of most respected men in baseball. People around Towers idolized him, loved working for him and considered him family. Tough day for baseball. pic.twitter.com/r4QdAKATh1
— Robert Murray (@RobertMurrayFRS) January 30, 2018
Career
Towers started his career when he was drafted by the Padres in the first round of the secondary phase of the 1982 Major League Baseball Draft. He pitched in the Padres farm system for seven years before retiring, and finished his career with a 29-40 record and a 4.64 ERA.
Following his career as a player, Towers became a pitching coach for the Spokane Indians in 1989, and also served as a scout for the Padres from 1989 to 1991. In 1993, Towers was hired as the scouting director for San Diego. Two years later, Towers was promoted to the General Manager of the Padres and led San Diego to the World Series in 1998, as well as four divison titles.
In 2010, Towers was hired as the Arizona Diamondbacks General Manager. In his first season, he took Arizona from 97 losses in 2009, to 94 wins in 2010 and a division title.
Main Photo
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