This makes me want to root for the Padres.
August 16
Padres Show Heart
The San Diego Padres drafted Matt LaChappa right after his high school
graduation in 1993 because they knew the great potential he possessed as a
hard-throwing left-handed pitcher. He was well on his way to fulfilling that
potential when two major heart attacks on the same day derailed his life in
1996.
As reported by NBC News, a virus caused his heart condition, which wasn’t
detectable in a standard physical. LaChappa suffered permanent mobility damage
and lost the ability to speak. His baseball career was over.
Priscilla Oppenheimer, director of Minor League Operations for the Padres, had
grown to care about LaChappa during his time with the organization, and wanted
to help his family through this ordeal. As a result, the Padres re-signed him
to his original contract that year—and every year since. The salary isn’t much,
but the insurance coverage is crucial because he needs 24-hour care. LaChappa
occasionally attends Padres games, and still displays “his trademark smile.” No
doubt, he feels grateful to a team that will always be a winner in his eyes.
