Former Los Angeles and San Diego Padders catcher Carlos Hernandez wants to fill the Padres’ managerial void.
The division’s opponents need a new captain after coach Mike Shildt abruptly resigned earlier this month, and Hernandez recently told The Athletic’s Dennis Lin why he thinks he’s the right man for the job.
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“I want to see the San Diego Padres win,” Hernandez said. “And, man, I got too close. I got too close as a player and here and as a broadcaster. But I want to be successful as a coach.”
Hernandez debuted with the in 1990 and remained in Los Angeles until the 1996 season. His manager during this period was none other than Hall of Famer and legend Tommy Lasorda.
He joined the Padres in 1997 and reached the World Series in 1998, but lost to the New York Yankees.
Hernandez still participates in games as a caster. He recently completed his 14th season as a primary color analyst for Spanish language television and radio broadcasts.
As for his resume, which would qualify him as a manager, he spent three years as a catching coordinator with the Padres, coached a summer league team in Mexico, was the winter ball manager in Venezuela from 2006 to 2008, and was the catching coordinator for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2010 to 2013.
“I want to be a champion in San Diego. I want to be a champion coach,” Hernandez said. “I won (the championship) as a player, and I don’t want to have the name “coach.”” I would like to know the name of the coach who won the championship. …I don’t want to compare myself to anyone, but I was born to play baseball, so I want to, man. I’m here to play baseball. For many years in this beautiful country, my career has been all about baseball. ”
While Hernandez’s history and aspirations are admirable, the will do everything in their power to thwart his championship dreams, at least as long as he operates in the same division as Los Angeles.
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Photo Kelly Gavin/MLB Photos (via Getty Images)
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