Nate Colbert, Padres’ all-time HR leader, dies at 76
The Padres introduced Thursday evening that former All-Star slugger Nate Colbert has handed away on the age of 76.
No participant within the 54-season historical past of the franchise hit extra house runs than Colbert’s 163 in a Padres uniform from 1969-74 (Adrián González is second with 161, adopted by Phil Nevin’s 156, Dave Winfield’s 154 and Tony Gwynn’s 135).
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Padres Hall of Famer Nate Colbert,” Padres Chairman Peter Seidler said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to his wife, Kasey, and the entire Colbert family at this very difficult time. An original member of the Padres in 1969, Nate was a trailblazer in the San Diego sports community. He was a three-time National League All-Star in brown and gold and became the Padres all-time home run king (163), a record that still stands today. Nate was devoted to his community off the field as well, dedicating his time to disadvantaged youth through his ministry. He was a magnetic person who will be dearly missed.”
Originally signed out of highschool by the Cardinals in 1964, Colbert was chosen by the Astros within the Rule 5 Draft the next yr. He made his MLB debut with Houston in 1966, showing in 19 video games and going 0-for-7. He hit .151 in 56 plate appearances with the Astros in ’68 earlier than being chosen by the Padres in that yr’s Expansion Draft.
Colbert’s profession took off in San Diego. From 1969-73, the primary baseman/left fielder averaged 30 homers per season whereas hitting .260/.333/.483. He was additionally chosen as an All-Star 3 times in that span and completed eighth in National League MVP Award voting in 1972. That season, he additionally set a number of Major League data on Aug. 1, when he launched 5 homers and drove in 13 runs in a doubleheader in opposition to the Braves in Atlanta.
Back troubles would hamper Colbert the remainder of his taking part in profession. The Padres traded him to the Tigers previous to the 1975 season, and in June of that yr, the Expos bought his contract from Detroit after he hit simply .147 with 4 homers in 156 at-bats. He did not fare significantly better with Montreal, hitting .173 with 4 homers in 81 at-bats earlier than being launched.
Midway by the 1976 season, Colbert signed with the A’s, however he solely appeared in two video games for Oakland in what can be the ultimate two video games of his profession.
Overall, Colbert had a powerful Major League profession regardless of having it reduce brief as a consequence of damage. He completed with a profession .772 OPS (119 OPS+) and 173 homers in 10 seasons, and was inducted into the inaugural class of the Padres Hall of Fame in 1999.
