| Preston Gomez was a Major League player, manager, | | | | His managing career in the Minor League included the |
| coach, scout, executive and special assistant to the | | | | Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati and the New York |
| general manager and he wore each role well in its | | | | Yankees. Gomez also coached St. Louis and Houston. |
| respective time. Gomez was hit by a truck last year at | | | | In 1965, Gomez accepted the position of third-base |
| Spring Training in Arizona in March. He died from some | | | | coach with the Dodgers and served for four seasons, |
| of the complications of his injuries in Fullerton, California. | | | | during which time he earned a World Series title and |
| Gomez was a pioneer and ambassador. “The | | | | two National League pennants. “The man spent his |
| Angels family has lost one of its invaluable | | | | entire life in baseball,” said former Dodger manager |
| members,” said Tony Reagins, Angels general | | | | Tommy Lasorda. |
| manager. “His influence and impact on so many | | | | When Gomez moved to the Major League, he |
| throughout the industry is impossible to measure. | | | | managed three Major League teams and became a |
| Preston’s legacy will forever remain a part of this | | | | major credit to their game. Gomez joined the Los |
| organization.” | | | | Angeles Angels in 1981 as a third base coach and |
| Gomez began his career as a player in 1944. The | | | | worked in that capacity for four seasons, from 1981 to |
| 21-year old native of Havana, Cuba became a | | | | 1984, after which he began a special assistant to the |
| shortstop and played with the Washington Senators. | | | | GM until his death. |
| He made history in 1969 by accepting the first | | | | “His professional success was matched by his |
| manager position for the San Diego Padres. The | | | | personal warmth. He had a kind and generous spirit |
| Padres expressed deep sadness at Gomez passing, | | | | and will be greatly missed,” said Sandy Alderson, |
| commenting that his love of the game made a lasting | | | | Sand Diego Padres CEO |
| impression. | | | | Angeles manager Mike Scioscia invited Gomez to |
| During his playing career, Gomez batted .286 in eight | | | | participate in Spring Training every year and believes |
| games but then spent the balance of his playing | | | | that anyone who had a chance to spend time with |
| career in the Minors. 1951 was his best season with 9 | | | | Gomez couldn’t help but realize his incredible |
| home runs, 58 RBIs and batting .268 for a team in | | | | passion for baseball. |
| Pennsylvania know as Three Rivers. | | | | |