GaryMrMets
03-03-2003, 04:18 PM
Winfield Joins Padres as Instructor
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Hall of Fame outfielder and San Diego Padres vice president Dave Winfield returned to the field for the first time as a guest instructor.
"I think it's awesome,'' Padres center fielder Mark Kotsay said. "I mean, it's a Hall of Fame player talking about becoming what we strive to be. He knows from experience.''
Winfield, wearing his old No. 31, spent 30 minutes, along with coach Davey Lopes, addressing the outfielders at the start of morning drills. He gave some demonstrations, flashing his old form of charging hard after balls and going into his over-the-top throwing motion that accounted for 166 outfield assists.
"I just have a lot to offer,'' he said. "I didn't come here as a coach or instructor, but we'd be wasting valuable knowledge and experience by not contributing there.''
In 22 seasons with six teams, Winfield batted .283 with 3,110 hits, 465 home runs and 1,833 RBI. He ranks among San Diego's top three in career games, hits, homers, RBI, runs, doubles, triples, walks and slugging percentage.
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Hall of Fame outfielder and San Diego Padres vice president Dave Winfield returned to the field for the first time as a guest instructor.
"I think it's awesome,'' Padres center fielder Mark Kotsay said. "I mean, it's a Hall of Fame player talking about becoming what we strive to be. He knows from experience.''
Winfield, wearing his old No. 31, spent 30 minutes, along with coach Davey Lopes, addressing the outfielders at the start of morning drills. He gave some demonstrations, flashing his old form of charging hard after balls and going into his over-the-top throwing motion that accounted for 166 outfield assists.
"I just have a lot to offer,'' he said. "I didn't come here as a coach or instructor, but we'd be wasting valuable knowledge and experience by not contributing there.''
In 22 seasons with six teams, Winfield batted .283 with 3,110 hits, 465 home runs and 1,833 RBI. He ranks among San Diego's top three in career games, hits, homers, RBI, runs, doubles, triples, walks and slugging percentage.