Kevin Towers was not just a great baseball man. He was simply a great man.
The longtime Padres General Manager passed away in late January, another victim of cancer (although he fought it off a lot longer than anyone thought he could). On Sunday at Petco Park the Padres held a celebration of life for the man known affectionately as KT.
Padres legends like Trevor Hoffman and Bruce Bochy were there but KT had an influence on all of baseball. Hall of Famer Tony LaRussa, Yankees GM Brian Cashman, Cubs GM Theo Epstein, and former Cardinals and Reds GM Walt Jocketty all got up to tell stories about one of their favorite human beings.
It’s fitting that the event was held at Petco Park because, as Padres Executive Chairman Ron Fowler said, he’s a major reason the best ballpark in the big leagues even exists.
“I don’t think Petco Park would be here if 1998 had not happened. And KT was the one who put the ball club together that went to the World Series,” said Fowler.
That team helped lead the way for the vote that approved the downtown ballpark. After Fowler, several others took turns sharing their love for KT:
“Baseball is designed to be inclusive and bring people together from all over the globe. KT loves people old and young, from all races. He fought to the very end with a fearlessness and optimism and toughness and passion. I’m so happy to have been inspired by Kevin Towers.” – Padres Principal Owner Peter Seidler, Cancer Survivor
“Kevin Towers was the most genuine, honest, decent, and fun-loving baseball executive I’ve ever known. Hiring him at the age of 33 to be the general manager of the Padres turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. Loved throughout the game, KT was a good, good man. Thank you KT, and rest in peace my friend. I will keep your spirit and memory with me always.” – Former Padres Executive Larry Lucchino
“Kevin loved life. He was always upbeat and positive and made everyone he met feel like his best friend. He suffered a lot the last year but he always stayed positive. There will never be another KT.” – Reds Executive Advisor Walt Jocketty
“He lived life the way it was supposed to be. He lived life like a king. Joy every day, max effort, and don’t waste time. Kevin never wasted time. You had a treasure here on the west coast. You were lucky to have him.” – Yankees G.M. Brian Cashman
“You never knew what kind of day you were going to have when you worked with Kevin and I mean that in the good way. Every day was fun.” – Padres Assistant General Manager Fred Uhlman Jr.
“I never ever heard anyone say anything bad about Kevin towers. In 35 years I never heard anyone say anything bad about him. Even players that Kevin released have a soft spot for him. His love of life and his great human qualities are the legacy he gave to all of us.” - Barry Axelrod, Sports Agent and longtime friend of KT
“There was never such a thing as a nobody to Kevin Towers. It didn’t matter who you were or who you weren’t. He would treat you like an equal. If he liked you, you were lucky. He would pull you into his orbit and you were in for the ride of your life.” – Cubs G.M. Theo Epstein
The title of the celebration was all too fitting: KT, A Life Well Lived.
Kevin Towers lived more in 56 years than most of us could wedge into 560 years. Anyone who had the honor of meeting him is better off for it.
