25 Years Ago: Garth Brooks Joins The San Diego Padres
on Feb 21, 2024
On February 12, 1999, Garth Brooks made headlines for signing a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres.
He also joined them for their pre-season Spring Training in Peoria, Arizona, which kicked off on February 23rd that year. While some were surprised by this unexpected move, Brooks was always a lifelong fan of the sport, and this opportunity allowed him to live out a childhood dream.
Garth Brooks? The baseball player? https://t.co/36BIvj9vxo pic.twitter.com/9qlmYbndDS
— matt (@MattFG53) March 16, 2022
During his time with the Padres, he went 1-for-22. His lone hit was against the Chicago Cubs. In the bottom of the fifth inning, with the Padres trailing 4-0, Brooks stepped up to the plate to face Cubs pitcher Mike Sirotka. The crowd roared as he took his stance, and he dug in, ready to do his best.
On the third pitch of the at-bat, Sirotka threw a high fastball that Brooks swung at with all his might. The ball sailed high into the air, carrying all the way to the warning track in left field. As the ball descended, the left fielder backed up, his glove outstretched. But the ball cleared his glove and bounced off the wall, allowing Brooks to sprint to third base for a stand-up triple.
The crowd went wild, and Brooks raised his arms in triumph as he stood on third base. His teammates mobbed him, patting him on the back and congratulating him on his hit. The moment was a testament to Brooks’ determination and love of the game, and it earned him a place in baseball history.
RELATED: 7 Facts About Garth Brooks’ Life & Career
His stint with the Padres was actually in partnership with his foundation, Touch ‘Em All Foundation, and Major League Baseball. He donated his salary to the foundation, which helps with various children’s charities. Brooks wore #77, a tribute to his album Sevens.
This wasn’t the last time he joined a team for Spring Training. In 2000, he trained with the New York Mets.
Mets legend Garth Brooks pic.twitter.com/cmVrHbZBjh
— Tyler Kepner (@TylerKepner) January 20, 2021
In 2004, he played with the Kansas City royals during Spring Training.
I think of him as a Padres great. pic.twitter.com/kYDWHJtnbR
— Matthew Reichbach (fbihop.bsky.social on bluesky) (@fbihop) June 15, 2021
And finally, in 2019, he returned to Spring Training, this time with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Former Pirates legend, Garth Brooks. pic.twitter.com/u1VpMAiK3Y
— Pittsburgh Clothing Co. (@PGHClothingCo) January 20, 2021
While none of his baseball stints were anywhere near successful, he definitely raised lots of money for his charities! Watch a short video about Garth’s time with the Padres below.
