While watching the game tonight I saw a new USAA commercial on Fox Sports San Diego. Former Padre reliever Rollie Fingers is one of their spokesmen. In addition to describing his family's military service he also speaks of his own. I didn't realize that Fingers had served 6 years in the Army Reserves.
Three years ago on Veterans Day we tried our best to track down all the Padres major leaguers who had spent time in the military. We came up with 7 thanks to those with access to the Padres Honor Wall, but now we can add an 8th to the list thanks to USAA.
Champ Summers
Summers served in Vietnam with the United States Army. He was discovered playing in a men's softball league after his service and played in the Major Leagues from 1974-84. He played 47 games and his final Major League season with the Padres on their National League Championship team.
Jason Szuminski
Szumniski was a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force serving as an individual mobilization augmentee assigned to the Air Force Research Laboratory's Propulsion Directorate, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. He started the season on the 25 man roster in 2004 but was quickly dropped and returned to the Cubs per Rule 5 draft rules. I was reminded that we interviewed him a little while ago.
Al Bumbry
Bumbry earned the Bronze Star as a platoon leader in Vietnam. A long time Oriole, Bumbry became a free agent and signed with the San Diego Padres in 1985. However, at age 38, he hit just .200 and stole only two bases, and he retired after the season.
Fred Stanley
Stanley went to High School in San Diego. He missed the 1969 season due to his service in Vietnam and then played for the Padres for one season in 1972.
Rich Folkers
Folkers' Minor League career was interrupted by doing a tour in Vietnam in 1969. After his return he promptly made the big leagues and played the 1975-76 seasons with the Padres.
Earl Wilson
Wilson missed the 1957-1958 seasons because of Military service. He played with the Padres in 1970.
Johnny Podres
Podres missed the 1956 season due to his Military service. He played his last season with the Padres in their first season, 1969.
Rollie Fingers
Fingers says in a recent USAA commercial that he served six years in the Army Reserves. He played for the Padres from 1977 to 1980.