Credit: IMAGN Images

Dear A.J.

 

First off. Congratulations.

This is a great thing. Not just for you, but for the city of San Diego.

For a long time, I witnessed this franchise toil in obscurity. They were bad. There is no other way to say it. This franchise WAS one of laughing stocks of the league.

The team was boring and had no identity. For years and years.

That is not the case anymore. Not even close. And though I am still wounded and suffer from PTSD when it comes to my Padres, I am slowly gaining faith that the sky will not fall. To know that your franchise is constantly putting its best foot forward is something that most cities take for granted. Not me. Not this San Diegan.

Though you are unorthodox and move to the beat of your own drum, you are ours. You are San Diego.

Thank you, A.J.

I know how difficult it can be to create a World Championship team. People just have no idea all that goes into it. The hours and hours of work can be maddening, but you embrace it with a contagious boyhood spirit. You always strive for the win.

With that being said, success is not a given. I am not naive enough to think that. You are working hard toward an ultimate goal, and like most San Diegans, we love you for it.

I had the opportunity to meet several major league players in my life. Hall of Fame players. To talk to them and ask them questions in several different settings. Not one has intimidated me and made me feel unable to talk. Nobody. Not even Pete Rose, Willie Mays, or Bob Feller

However, in my time in the Padres locker room, I failed to connect with you.

I was intimidated by you. I know that sounds funny, but it is true.

I had several opportunities over the years but failed miserably. I’m not sure you know this, but you were a great inspiration for what I created here at EVT.

My son motivates me as nothing else can, but at the time, I needed direction for my passion. I could never find it after his death. It took me years to find writing and what I have created, and that all was inspired in December of 2014 when you made the San Diego Padres relevant. That series of trades energized the fan base and shook me to my core. It was then that I knew my calling. It was then; I knew how to do something to remember my son.

A.J. Preller, let’s continue this adventure together. All the way to the finish line.

Thank you in ways you would never imagine.

 

Humbly yours-

James Clark, creator of East Village Times (Established 2015)

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.

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