Just as they have for the last twenty years.
Original Orange County Register article from 2005, updated in 2013.
In 1996, preparing to enter a Class A minor league game, Matt LaChappa suffered a heart attack while warming up in the bullpen.
Ever since, the Padres have signed him to a contract, not only providing him with a basic income but more importantly, access to health care insurance.
Aren’t there limits on how many players you can have signed, so that this act of compassion means that they can’t sign some other player who actually plays?
Minor league contract.
I assume he’s also always on the DL, so he doesn’t count against roster space.
It’s a very classy move on the Padres’ part.
The article makes no mention that he ever pitched in the majors though he was their top prospect at the time.
Excellent story; thanks for sharing those links, running coach.