Former MLB general manager Kevin Towers tragically passed away at the age of 56 after a battle with thyroid cancer.
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Towers served as the general manager of the San Diego Padres from 1995-2009, and he was the GM of the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2010 to 2014. He was diagnosed with cancer in December of 2016.
During his tenure with the Padres, Towers orchestrated one of the best stretches in franchise history. The Padres won four division titles, and they won the NL pennant in 1998. They lost to the New York Yankees in the World Series.
Statement from Padres Executive Chairman Ron Fowler and General Partner Peter Seidler on the passing of Kevin Towers: pic.twitter.com/NsKTnHyE47
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) January 30, 2018
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Towers then became the GM for the Diamondbacks, and he guided the franchise to an AL West title in 2011.
We are heartbroken by the passing of former #Dbacks GM Kevin Towers and will miss him dearly.
Our love goes out to his family and everyone who knew him. Rest in peace, KT.
Full statements: https://t.co/3odzA7cS3A pic.twitter.com/aqRGjy7LvE
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) January 30, 2018
Kevin Towers, longtime exec and GM of Padres (1995-2009) and D-backs (2010-14), passes away at the age of 56. https://t.co/90CDLK7ecx pic.twitter.com/0s7BFoqPtS
— MLB (@MLB) January 30, 2018
Many in the baseball community expressed their condolences on Twitter, including Houston Astros manager AJ Hinch,
Sad to hear we lost another gem in life in Kevin Towers. He gave a lot to the game but more importantly gave a lot to people. One of the most beloved men I’ve come across in baseball. Thoughts and prayers to his wife Kelley and all those who knew and enjoyed him.
— AJ Hinch (@ajhinch) January 30, 2018
I will always be grateful for how Kevin Towers treated me with respect and honesty as a young player. The game lost a great one today. RIP KT
— David Ross (@D_Ross3) January 30, 2018
We lost one of the greats today with the passing of Kevin Towers, an all-time favorite. So honest, so direct, so funny. RIP KT
— Tim Kurkjian (@Kurkjian_ESPN) January 30, 2018
RIP, Kevin Towers. One of my all-time favorite people, gone much too soon.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 30, 2018
Kevin Towers was such a great person. So beloved in the baseball community. Terrible to hear about his passing.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 30, 2018
Our thoughts go out to his family and loved ones.
(h/t Sporting News)
