Chris Cannizzaro, 1st Padres All-Star, dies at 78

Former big-league veteran Chris Cannizzaro died at the age of 78 late Thursday night, according to Kirk Kenney of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

While his name probably doesn't ring a bell to most baseball fans, Cannizzaro spent 13 years in the majors between six teams. In 1969 - his eighth season and the San Diego Padres' inaugural year - he was named the first All-Star in franchise history.

That year, Cannizzaro's numbers weren't extravagant leading up to the game, as he'd slashed .245/.324/.321 with two home runs and 23 RBIs.

But the All-Star team needed a catcher, and the Padres needed a representative, so he was selected. In an interview over the summer, Cannizzaro said he vividly remembered getting the call.

“(Padres manager) Preston Gomez told me and then everybody came up and congratulated me,” said Cannizzaro, who never ended up getting into the game.

“I was hoping I would get to play, but it was a thrill just to be on the team. It was something I’ll never forget.”

An original member of the Padres, Cannizzaro was honored by the club in a pregame ceremony this past summer at the All-Star Game at Petco Park.