San Diego Padres Continue Support for Disabled Former Player

"When the San Diego Padres drafted Matt LaChappa for their minor league team in 1993, they had high hopes that the tall, lanky left-handed pitcher would be a great asset. According to the Padres' assistant general manager Fred Uhlman Jr., the18-year-old LaChappa 'had good command and really above-average poise and mound presence. . . . He was really mature for his age. He was definitely a prospect.'

"LaChappa, a second-round draft choice, played for the Arizona League Padres in that first season, then moved to the Class A Springfield Sultans in 1994, and finally the Class A-Advanced Rancho Cucamonga Quakes the following year. As a relief pitcher for the Minor League Quakes, he racked up eleven wins.

"But then in April 1996, while warming up in the bullpen, LaChappa clutched his chest and collapsed onto the ground. He was having a heart attack. The team's trainer, Jim Daniels, sped into action and administered CPR for twenty minutes, until an ambulance arrived. LaChappa was rushed to the hospital, but he had a second heart attack after he arrived there. Tests later showed that he had a viral infection around his heart - a condition which had not been visible during a recent physical exam. He survived, but without sufficient oxygen, LaChappa suffered brain damage; and for the last 21 years, he's been confined to a wheelchair, and he has difficulty moving and speaking."

A recent National Catholic Register article reported on San Diego Padres' continuing support for Mr. LaChappa, even though he is no longer able to play baseball for them.

To access the complete National Catholic Register report, please visit:

National Catholic Register: San Diego Padre for Life: Team Continues Support for Disabled Former Pitcher (2 APR 17)