Books and articles about Preston Gomez

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Gomez played eight games for the Senators in 1944 without having any minor league experience. He was sent down the following spring and did not return as a player. After a long minor league apprenticeship, the personable Cuban was named Padres manager in 1969 and remained until eleven games into the 1972 season. His 1974 Astro team finished fourth at 81-81, the only time a Gomez-managed team finished out of last place. Twice in his managerial career he pinch hit for pitchers who had no-hitters going, Clay Kirby (with the Padres) and Don Wilson (Astros). (BC)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » July 21, 1970: Clay Kirby has a no-hitter going for eight innings, but with two outs in the 8th and trailing 1–0, Padres manager Preston Gomez lifts him for a pinch hitter Cito Gaston. Gaston fails to get a hit off Mets' starter Jim McAndrew, and reliever Jack Baldschun gives up two runs in the 9th. The Padres lose 3–0. Gomez will repeat the mistake on September 4, 1974. » May 26, 1971: The Padres Al "Iron Man" Santorini starts both ends of a doubleheader against the Astros. Santorini, facing a lineup of seven lefties, retires one batter before manager Preston Gomez lifts him for lefty Dave Roberts. It almost works, but Houston scores a run in the 9th to win, 2–1. In the nightcap, Santorini gives up two earned runs in six innings, but the Padres manage only one hit -- a 2-out single in the 7th by Ollie Brown -- off Larry Dierker. The Astros win, 8–0. » April 27, 1972: The Padres fire manager Preston Gomez and replace him with Don Zimmer. » September 4, 1974: Don Wilson has a no-hitter through eight innings, but is lifted for a pinch-hitter by Houston manager Preston Gomez. Reliever Mike Cosgrove gives up a leadoff single to Tony Perez, and the Astros lose to the Reds 2–1. Jack Billingham, who has a sac bunt in the 2-run 5th, is the winner. Gomez made the same mistake in San Diego on July 21, 1970. The Reds score both runs in the 5th inning on two walks, a sac bunt and a 2-base throwing error by Roger Metzger. » August 19, 1975: The Astros hire Bill Virdon to replace Preston Gomez as manager. » September 24, 1979: With a week to go, Herman Franks resigns as Cubs manager, and is replaced by Preston Gomez, most recently a coach with the Dodgers. After resigning, Franks criticizes a number of Cubs players, including Foote, Vail, Buckner, and Sizemore. » July 25, 1980: The Cubs fire manager Preston Gomez and replace him with Joey Amalfitano. Chicago is 38-52, last in the National League East.