Preston Gomez dies.
Gomez, who played briefly for the Washington Senators, managed the Padres, and later was a special assistant to the Angels' GM, died today. Apparently he never recovered from injuries sustained when he was struck by a car in March of last year.
From Nancy Mazmanian at the Angels:
Preston Gomez, who devoted over 65 years of his life to professional baseball, passed away earlier this afternoon in Fullerton, CA. He was 86."The Angels family has lost one of its invaluable members, and one of baseball's truly great ambassadors," said Angels' General Manager Tony Reagins. "His influence and impact on so many throughout the industry is impossible to measure. Though he will be missed, Preston's legacy will forever remain a part of this organization," added Reagins.
"Preston had an incredible passion for baseball and was a mentor for all of us who were fortunate to spend time with him," said Angels' Manager Mike Scioscia, who yearly invited Gomez to take an active role in instructing during spring training. "He will certainly be missed, but I know his presence will be felt every time we take the field because of the knowledge and wisdom that he imparted to us."
On March 26, 2008, Gomez was returning to California following his time in spring training with the ballclub in Tempe, AZ when he was struck by a truck while walking to his car. He was never able to recover from the injuries sustained in the accident.
During his career, Gomez served as a player, coach, manager, talent scout and consultant. He spent his last 28 years in baseball with the Angels, first as a major league coach and later as a special assistant to the General Manager.
A native of Havana, Cuba, Gomez began his playing career in 1944 as a 21-year-old shortstop with the Washington Senators. He was brought to the U.S. by the ballclub when major league rosters were depleted because of World War II. He batted .286 in eight games before spending the rest of his playing career in the minor leagues. Gomez had his finest season in the minors in 1951, batting .268 with nine home runs and 58 RBI for Three Rivers (PA).
After his playing career ended, Gomez first managed in the Mexican Winter League before being offered a minor league coaching position by the Dodgers. He spent eight seasons as a minor league manager in the Cincinnati, Los Angeles and New York Yankees farm systems, guiding clubs such as Fresnillo, Mexico City, Havana, Spokane and Richmond. He led the Dodgers' Spokane club to the Pacific Coast League pennant in 1960. He also spent time coaching with Houston and St. Louis.
In 1965, Gomez became the third-base coach for the Dodgers, where he served through four seasons, earning two National league pennants and a World Series title. He left the club in 1969 to manage the expansion San Diego Padres (1969-72), joining former Dodgers' Vice-President Buzzie Bavasi. He later managed the Houston Astros (1974-75) and Chicago Cubs (1980). Gomez compiled a 346-529 (.395) managerial record in seven seasons. He then joined the Angels' organization in 1981 as third base coach, a position he held for four seasons (1981-84) before becoming a special assistant to the General Manager.
Born April 20, 1923, in Central Preston, Oriented, Cuba, Gomez was inducted into the Hispanic Baseball Heritage Museum Hall of Fame, May 3, 2003.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, brother Jose Gomez, sisters Rachel Valz and Sara Raspall, son Pedro, daughter Elia, step-daughter Claudia Astorga, adopted son Carlos Becerra, and grandchildren Sergio, Jr. and Eliana.
At Gomez's request, there are no funeral or memorial services planned.
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