Many Thanks for 2012

As the season winds down for the Padres and our last home game has come and gone, I wanted to write a review and a thank you to so many people. First of all, I want to thank my many friends at Petco Park who make me feel like I am home. I want to thank Mike Hardin, the owner of Hodads who always greets us with a welcome home and a hug when we come in the restaurant. Rafael Torres (aka Jay), who always does such a wonderful job serving us at Hodads and who always greets us with a warm smile and a hug as well.  Our usher Yolie Sanchez, who is friendly, kind and a pleasure to see (I hope you get your IPhone 5 in the off-season.)  Rebecca Herman's season ticket rep Hayley Hallum, who is a nice, attentive and looks out for us (she'll be my rep as well in 2013.)  The Dancing Friars out in the Mission; Corey, Ishmael, Kai, Tony and the rest of the gang out there who dress up and cheer the Padres on.  Luigi Novello, who did my first video blog on my page and is Clayton Richards #1 fan (John Baker's as well.)  To the many players and announcers from Mark Grant to Tim Flanney, who listened to a nervous blogger try to ask them who their favorite player was and why.  To Andrew Werner, who was the first player who did a video for my blog.  To Jerry Coleman, who took the time to sign his book for me.  The Coach John Kentera and Randy Jones, who always made us laugh at Lolita's.  Last, but not least, to Rebecca and Trevor Herman for inviting my son and myself to so many games, and dealing with me (and that's a lot to deal with.)  You all made Padres season 2012 enjoyable.  God Bless each of you.

Wayne McBrayer aka The Casual Fan

Tim Flannery-2B-3B San Diego Padres-Current 3B coach for the San Francisco Giants

Growing up as a Padres fan, one of my favorite players to watch was Tim Flannery.  He was drafted in the 6th round in 1978 by the San Diego Padres out of Chapman University in California.  After only a year in the minors, Tim was called up to the Padres on September 3rd, 1979 and got a hit in his first game.  He struggled for the first few years in the majors, going back and forth from AAA to the big club, but came up to stay in 1982.  He became a favorite of then manager Dick Williams, who loved his all out aggressive play. In 1985, he became the starter at 2B and had his best season.  In 1989, he decided to hang it up for good and was greeted in his last at bat to a standing ovation, which caused the game to be delayed.  After his career was over, he moved on to managing in the Padres minor league system for 3 seasons before being hired by Bruce Bochy to be his 3rd base coach.  He remained with the Padres until 2002 and when Bruce Bochy was hired to manage the Giants in 2007, he was hired once again to coach 3B, which is the position he currently holds.

On the final home game for the Padres on September 30th 2012, we went to the ballpark early to have breakfast on the field.  The previous day, I had tried to get Tim's attention but had no luck getting to him.  While sitting at breakfast, I looked over and saw someone standing on the grass near where people were eating and was shocked to see it was Tim Flannery!  I walked over and got his autograph and asked him who his favorite player was growing up.  He said, it's very difficult question, but I would have to pick Pete Rose, because he taught me so much about how to play the game."  I got a quick picture with him (thank you Rebecca Herman for taking the picture) and told him he really missed him here.  My friend Rebecca told Tim how Mike Hardin, the owner of Hodads restaurant said Tim was his favorite all-time player.  Tim said he was going to stop by in the off-season to say hi to Mike.