Hometown San Diego hero returns to collegiate roots not far from Petco Park

Stephen Strasburg is a legend in the city of San Diego. He never wore a Padres uniform, but he may just be the most beloved player in America's Finest City to play professionally for a different team.

The 6-foot-5 wiry and dominant right-handed pitcher was born in San Diego, attended West Hills High School in in Santee, then became one of the greatest collegiate pitchers ever while at San Diego State. His roots run deep here and Strasburg is returning to his homeland. It was announced this week that Strasburg is joining Kevin Vance's staff on the SDSU baseball team as a special assistant to the head coach.

"Stephen Strasburg is arguably the best pitcher in college baseball history, but what makes this announcement so special is how much he cares about this program, this city, and giving back to the game,” Vance said in the team's press release. “He’s a proud Aztec and San Diegan, and he’s never forgotten his roots.

Strasburg is a three-time MLB All-Star, a 2019 World Series champion, and a World Series MVP. He also collected three Silver Sluggers. Strasburg, 37, was just inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame this past summer as part of a 2025 class that included other Southern California greats in Mark McGwire and Phil Nevin.

At SDSU, Strasburg won a Golden Spikes Award, National Pitcher of the Year Award, the Dick Howser trophy, and multiple First Team All-American nods. He struck out 375 batters in his career, including 23 in a single game.

The Washington Nationals then selected Strasburg first overall in the 2009 MLB Draft, making him the second player from San Diego to go No. 1 overall in the previous five years (Matt Bush, 2004, Padres).

For his career against the Padres, Strasburg was 8-2 against the Padres with a 2.83 ERA. He struck out 86 batters in 70 innings, which spanned 11 starts. Half of those wins came at Petco Park. Those may have been the only four times when Padres fans left the stadium after a loss, and they didn't feel too upset.

Even though Strasburg was sadly never a Padre, he is hailed as one of the all-time greats in this city. For him to come back home and help collegiate players only furthers his legacy in San Diego. The Aztecs went 20-39 this past year, so they'll look to him to help uproot the program. The Padres are looking for a new coach themselves, but as a city, we can celebrate the welcoming of a legend who will coach somewhere else in town.