Which Padres were Military Veterans?
So over Veteran's Day weekend I was trying figure out all the Padres players who served in the Military. Originally I was going to include players, coaches and Minor Leaguers, but that became too much. Instead we'll just stick with Major League players.
I emailed the head of Padres Military Marketing Capt. Jack Ensch, USN (Ret.) to see if he had a complete list. I received a list from the manager of Padres Military Marketing of all Major League Veterans and have been searching for Padres. Here's who we have so far:
- Champ Summers
Summers served in Vietnam with the United States Army. He was discovered playing in a men's softball league after his service and played in the Major Leagues from 1974-84. He played 47 games and his final Major League season with the Padres on their National League Championship team. - Jason Szuminski
Szumniski was a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force serving as an individual mobilization augmentee assigned to the Air Force Research Laboratory's Propulsion Directorate, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. He started the season on the 25 man roster in 2004 but was quickly dropped and returned to the Cubs per Rule 5 draft rules. I was reminded that we interviewed him a little while ago. - Al Bumbry
Bumbry earned the Bronze Star as a platoon leader in Vietnam. A long time Oriole, Bumbry became a free agent and signed with the San Diego Padres in 1985. However, at age 38, he hit just .200 and stole only two bases, and he retired after the season. - Fred Stanley
Stanley went to High School in San Diego. He missed the 1969 season due to his service in Vietnam and then played for the Padres for one season in 1972. - Rich Folkers
Folkers' Minor League career was interrupted by doing a tour in Vietnam in 1969. After his return he promptly made the big leagues and played the 1975-76 seasons with the Padres. - Earl Wilson
Wilson missed the 1957-1958 seasons because of Military service. He played with the Padres in 1970. - Johnny Podres
Podres missed the 1956 season due to his Military service. He played his last season with the Padres in their first season, 1969.
If you can think of anyone else feel free to contribute to the list so that we can honor their service.
Also it's worth noting these other Padres employees that served. Roger Craig was a Korean War Veteran. Jerry Coleman, Tony Muser and Sandy Alderson were Marines. Dick Freeman was a Naval Officer.
Capt. Ensch also tells us about Dick Dent:
Also, Dick Dent (who served as the Padres trainer for over ten years in the 1980’s, was selected as the trainer for the 1984 All-Star game and went to the WS with the Padres that same year) was a decorated US Army infantry officer in Vietnam and Cambodia in 1969-70. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, an Air Medal and the Bronze Star w/ two oak leaf clusters - indicating two more awards of the same medal (i.e., 3 Bronze Star awards).
Thanks to the San Diego Padres, the Major League Baseball Alumni Association, Baseball Reference and Gaslamp Ballers texpadres, padres4life and strummer for their help.
Here is the list of all Major League Baseball Military Veterans sent to me by the Padres that are listed on the Honor Wall at Petco Park.

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Al Bumbry
Known mainly for his stellar play as an Oriole, Bumbry finished his career in San Diego (1985). He served in Vietnam and received a Bronze Star.
Fred "Chicken" Stanley
Stanley had a cup of coffee with the Padres in ’72 and also served in Vietnam.

Isn't it enough to know that I ruined a pony making a gift for you? ◔ヮ◔
Uncommon Sportsman :: Absurdity in play
by Axion on Nov 11, 2010 2:18 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
I'm being sent a list of the 825 MLB players who served in the military
Maybe tomorrow we can sort through it and find all the Padres. Sounds like a plan!
Jason Szuminski
Was on the Padres opening day roster in 2004 as a Rule 5 pitcher. He served in the Air Force and he went to MIT.
Cooper Brannan
Nels Cooper Brannan (born November 7, 1984 in Houston, Texas) is a former US Marine who briefly played minor league baseball for the San Diego Padres. Brannan, who as a Corporal in the United States Marines lost his pinky finger on his left hand (his non pitching hand) while serving in Iraq.
I know it was only the minor leagues, but he deserves honor anyways.
"Savvy Chicks Dig the Bullpen"
This is the guy who came to mind when I saw this
The Padres are good, but make no mistake: we've gotta beef up the linwup.
If I had a nickel from every SBN blog that has banned me, Arrowhead Pride would owe me 5¢.
by StrangeBroP25 on Nov 12, 2010 6:30 PM PST up reply actions
Come to think of it
Whatever happened to Brannan? I thought he was still bouncing around the minor leagues.
The Padres are good, but make no mistake: we've gotta beef up the linwup.
If I had a nickel from every SBN blog that has banned me, Arrowhead Pride would owe me 5¢.
by StrangeBroP25 on Nov 12, 2010 6:31 PM PST up reply actions
May 31, 2010-Cooper is currently a student
’Cut by the Padres in 2009 even after having a good spring training, Brannan signed with the aptly-named New Hampshire American Defenders (now known as the Pittsfield Colonials) of the independent Can-Am League. His numbers improved again, as he posted a 1-1 record and 5.18 ERA.
At the end of the season, though he had the chance to continue pitching in the indie leagues, Brannan decided that it was time to go home to Arizona to be with his wife and two daughters (a third child is on the way) and pursue a college degree. He’s currently studying pharmaceutical sciences and looking forward to transferring to Midwestern University after he completes his hours at a local community college…’
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=11027
"Savvy Chicks Dig the Bullpen"
Heart goes out to Alderson family
Alderson lost his father (a war vet) in a tragic accident.
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/11/14/sandy-aldersons-father-killed-in-pedestrian-accident/
GM Sandy Alderson died on Saturday night due to injuries sustained upon being struck by a vehicle in St. Petersburg, Florida. Authorities are investigating the incident, but no charges have yet been filed against the 21-year-old driver.
John Alderson, a veteran of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, was 87 years old.
Norm Sherry and Tony Muser - both military vets
Sherry was the pitching coach during the Williams years and of course for the pennant winning year of 1984.
Muser is with the Padres now as a roving instructor after serving as a coach during Bochy era.
The list seems very weak on Vietnam vets
I’m guessing there are 1969-72 Padres that served, but aren’t listed. For example, Curt Motten and Ed Figueroa (non Padres) both saw combat in Vietnam but are not on the list.
There is also this:
Kerry Taylor was a pitcher for the Twins in the Gulf Coast League in 1968. He then went into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as an SP4, Serial No.476602659. He was killed at age 19 classified “Non-Hostile, Died Other ground casualty (ammunition exploded)”. Later his nephew, Kerry Taylor, pitched 14 years in the United States, Japan and South Korea, including two years for the San Diego Padres. His name was obtained from the Vietnam Wall in Washington DC.
Johnny Podres (1969)
and Earl Wilson (1970) both served during peacetime:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Category:Military_Veterans_during_Peacetime
And one more I found
Roger Craig is a Korean War veteran.


























