Top Padres Stories of 2014

The Passing of Jerry Coleman

Apr 2, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Detail view of a patch worn by San Diego Padres players to honor former Padres radio announcer Jerry Coleman during a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

This is one of the stories you never want to be on a list like this. On January 5th we lost longtime Padres announcer Jerry Coleman at the age of 89.

Coleman was the Padres radio announcer for every year from 1972 up until his death except for 1980, when he managed the team. He was inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame in 2001 and the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2007.

He was more than just a star in the broadcast booth. He was a 4-time All-Star and 4-time World Series champion in 9 seasons with the New York Yankees.

He was limited to just 9 seasons, because of his obligation to his country. He fought in both World War II and the Korean War and won multiple awards for his work in both.

Coleman was a true American Hero, and was a huge part of Padres baseball. While 2014 was the first full season without him in the booth, it’ll still be an adjustment to listen to Padres games without hearing Coleman’s voice.