If I could vote, he has my vote. We are all proud of him.

https://youtu.be/xyah3OMrF_0

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Walking into Petco Park last Saturday, I smiled at the sight of many old and faded “Caminiti 21” T-shirts worn by fans who have treasured them over the years, and likely pulled them from their closet for Ken Caminiti’s induction into the Padres Hall of Fame. On the field, I talked with Nancy Caminiti, their three grown daughters and his parents. We had stayed in touch over the years, and mutually agreed that this induction was a good thing to recognize all Caminiti had accomplished and had meant to the Padres and community.

Sadly, Cammy was not there. The Padres beloved third baseman died in 2004, but the larger-than-life photo and video images on the scoreboard triggered chills and applause. It was reminiscent of those early days when, as broadcaster Ted Leitner put it, “The women wanted to look at him. The men wanted to BE him.” A genuine warmth exuded from the fans and from those on the field, including former teammates, coaches and fellow Padres Hall of Famers who relayed Cammy stories. We all laughed, sighed or even got a little teary-eyed as the tributes covered the different dimensions that made him special. Cammy would have been proud of his daughters. Kendall, the eldest, spoke on her family’s behalf, thanking the fans and the Padres for their love and support as her two sisters stood alongside her.

Looking back, I’m grateful to have played a unique part in helping bring Ken Caminiti’s story to the fans in my role with the then-new COX/Padres TV deal. Beginning in 1997, Cox would put 125 games on the new Channel 4 Padres and my assignment was to “connect the players to the fans.” I’ve written about this in my book, but here is a short reminder …

In the spring and summer of 1996, I was so caught up in a television project surrounding the Republican National Convention, I didn’t realize the Ken Caminiti sensation buzzing around the city. I hadn’t witnessed his stellar feats at third base or his powerful at-bats. Hadn’t heard about the “Snickers” incident in Mexico, nor seen his stoic presence contrasted with his sparkling eyes and smile in the dugout or off the field. These were all part of the Cammy mystique that had captivated a community of baseball fans. But when it looked as if I would be involved in the new COX/Padres television venture Channel 4 Padres, I sat on my mother’s couch and watched the Padres beat the LA Dodgers to clinch the National League West Division. Ken Caminiti became front of mind.

The first time I met Ken was that fall at a Padres’ awards banquet. I remember the crowd around him, and how quiet he was — almost uncomfortable with all of the attention. I wouldn’t come to understand that reticence, or him, for a few months.

One of my primary missions was to help the fans get to know the players as people, not just “guys in a uniform.” Ken Caminiti, an obvious choice for our first profile, had just won the National League MVP award and was rehabbing from shoulder surgery. The big question: Would he be ready for Opening Day?

The Padres public relations staff explained the situation to him, and with his approval, we planned a trip to his offseason home in Houston. A few people who knew Ken well suggested, “He’s a quiet guy, so good luck. He doesn’t talk much, and don’t ask him about his drinking problems of the past. He won’t want to talk about that.” Thanks for the advice, I thought. I’ll take it from here.

In early February 1997, I traveled to Texas with Mike Howder and Tim Young from the Padres media department. I had done my homework: reading what little had been written about Ken Caminiti; I had looked at some of the Padres’ music videos highlighting him; and had asked people about him. I mapped out my questions, creating enough of a guideline, based on facts and my own curiosity to be sure I wouldn’t miss anything.

On Feb. 4, we arrived at the gym where he was doing his rehab, following his shoulder surgery. We put a small microphone on him and followed him through his routine. I asked about his progress, and he demonstrated how far he had come by throwing a ball or lifting his shoulder, comparing it to his starting point. It was clear how far he had to go to be ready for the season.

His home was comfortable, with pictures of family and a dining room table filled with baseball memorabilia from people who wanted autographs. His wife, Nancy, and three daughters were there, too — the youngest only a week old. We set up in the living room with just one camera and a few lights. He wore a blue- and white-plaid shirt and jeans.

I started from the beginning of his life, and as we went along, I could tell that he had much inside him. It wasn’t that he didn’t like to talk; he just seemed to need time to think in order to express himself. The rush of the typical pre- and postgame interviews was not necessarily his comfort zone, and that might have been why people thought he didn’t have a lot to say. Given time, I discovered, he would open up. A question about the relationship with his parents led to talking about his rebellious times as a teenager, challenging times in the early part of his career, and his faith. While referencing his special year of 1996, our dialogue went like this:

Jane: Do you have a sense of why this was your year?

Ken: I don’t know. I accepted the MVP award a couple nights ago, and part of my speech was God gifted me this year, and He really looked after me.

Jane: Tell me about your relationship with God.

Ken: Well it’s been a rocky one for me cuz in ’87-’88 I asked Him into my heart, Jesus Christ, but I didn’t do it for all the right reasons…”

While my questions were simple, his answers revealed much. I sensed during the interview, this was going to be something special. Had he not brought up the subjects I had been “warned” not to broach, would I have brought them up anyhow? Probably. How could I cheat him, his story, or the viewers of something so personal, but significant? I followed not only his lead, but also my intuition, delving into both obvious and sensitive topics. In Ken’s case, just asking about his year opened the door to something that was in his heart. No matter how much I prepared, just listening and caring showed him respect, and made him feel comfortable to express himself. In the bigger picture, it was the unexpected prelude for what was to come.

We completed the sit-down interview with Nancy beside him, and I met his girls, Kendall, Lindsey and newborn Nicole, who was so tiny in his muscular arms. I commented on how he had an All-American family.

“All American.” He laughed. “With the toys, the blind dog knocking over the lights. Yeah, All-American!”

Ken took Mike, Tim and me to dinner that night at Papa Deaux’s. As we walked into the restaurant, ESPN was airing the recorded ESPY awards program where Cammy was accepting the honor for Best Baseball Player. People at the restaurant did a double take when they saw him — a former Houston Astro, the NL MVP with the Padres — on TV, yet standing there in person. No question, he exuded an air of distinction, even in his plaid shirt and jeans.

When I returned from Texas, I shared about the in-depth interview, which prompted the green light to produce the new series, One on One. Ken’s was the leadoff show. I felt it important to supplement his story with details. So, at spring training, I interviewed his personal trainer and saw Cammy in uniform, counting the days until he would be — hopefully — ready for the season. I also believed it was important to hear from his parents, to see where he grew up, went to school, and began his athletic career so I flew to San Jose to see where it all began for Ken Caminiti.

His childhood home, where his parents still lived, was modest and in a fairly middle-class neighborhood. They welcomed us and offered more insight about their son. They gave me a bag of home movies and pictures, and pointed out the cul-de-sac where young Ken rode his bike. A stop at his high school and San Jose State University provided more content and texture.

As I wrote my first 30-minute biography, trying to fit it all in, I was determined not to leave out anything important, including the sensitive aspects of Ken’s struggles with alcohol and his faith. The program was a hit. People commented about the candid interview, about seeing the pictures and learning who Ken Caminiti was, and how he’d evolved with the team and in life. At the 2016 induction, former teammate Trevor Hoffman talked about how getting a “nod” from quiet Cammy was like getting a big bear hug. After Ken saw the first show in 1997, we happened to meet. When the subject of the show came up, he gave me one of those nods and a “thank you.” I’ve always considered that my big bear-hug bonus.

Ken Caminiti was truly loved, and he loved San Diego. He would go on to be a hero in the 1998 season in which the Padres played the New York Yankees in the World Series, but after the ’98 season, the Padres embarked on a “rebuilding” phase. He was a free agent. He signed with Houston. Fans would see him when he played in San Diego for Houston, and then Atlanta. He always received a round of applause when he returned to San Diego, but things would not be easy for him.

What we didn’t know in 1997 — and would not find out until after he retired — was that part of his “wow” factor while playing with San Diego was not just natural brute strength. Ken Caminiti shocked the sports world in 2002 when he told Sports Illustrated that he had taken steroids during his MVP 1996 season and beyond, and that he thought others in baseball had too. That revelation — considered the first public admission of anabolic steroid use by a professional baseball player — rocked Major League Baseball, and contributed to the eventual exposure of Performance Enhancing Drug use in the sport, which launched a congressional investigation, and eventually, a more defined PED-use policy in baseball.

In 1997, however, no one was talking about steroids, PEDs, or human growth hormone, so it did not even occur to me to ask Ken what specifically he was taking as part of his fitness regimen, or to even think that he might be doing anything that would cause him problems later on. Even so, his leadership in the clubhouse, as his teammates explain, his “throwback” mentality of playing through pain and wanting to be in every game, and his indisputable mystique yet genuine connection with the fans combined to make an indelible impression in his four seasons playing for San Diego.

The last time I talked with him was at spring training in 2004. I could see in his eyes he wanted so much to be “OK” and said he wanted to work with the Padres again. He gave me a hug, and I said I hoped things worked out, and that I would see him back in San Diego. Sadly, his struggles with addiction took their toll and he died that October.

In the spring of 2005, Ken Caminiti would have been 42. The Padres honored his memory at a pregame ceremony. Now, in 2016, he has been inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame, which I applaud. I have learned a lot in my 16-plus years around the game and telling athletes’ stories. These human beings have weaknesses and vulnerabilities, like all of us, even with their immense work ethic and heroics. While we have “clean” heroes, including his contemporaries Tony Gwynn and Trevor Hoffman who also are in the Padres Hall of Fame, I truly believe Ken Caminiti belongs there too. Although he was admittedly part of the Steroid Era, he was also instrumental in bringing it to light. Perhaps this is why, while few would condone PED use, we can forgive and accept it more readily because his explanation came with honesty and humility. How common is that? And aren’t those characteristics we would want emulated as much as teamwork, hard work, charisma and charity?

Ken Caminiti will forever be part of a magical time in San Diego, part of a special collective memory, and part of my journey. There’s much to learn from how he played, how he lived, how he loved and how he battled.

To read more of the backstory from my experiences and the transcript of the 1997 “One on One” program, visit www.JaneMitchellOneOnOne.com for a copy of the book.

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I am thankful for so much, including a career that’s allowed me to share wonderful stories about fascinating people. I’m grateful to have been able to compile many of those experiences into a book.  Amid the digital daze and holiday craze, it’s nice to hold something of substance, with timeless stories and colorful pictures. One on One: My Journey with Hall of Famers, Fan Favorites and Rising Stars is perfect for sports fans, biography buffs, budding journalists or anyone curious about life behind the scenes of some spectacular athletes. One on One Store

The stories (and back stories) of some 40 baseball and football players known throughout the nation remind us about following our dreams, turning obstacles into opportunities, achieving goals, and often doing “good” with their high-profile platform.

The stories of the icons and popular athletes are timeless because their journeys cannot be altered. Sadly, some have passed, including Tony Gwynn, Jerry Coleman, Junior Seau and Ted Williams, which is all the more reason to celebrate and learn from their lives. Others continued to make their marks in different ways. Tim Flannery helped the San Francisco Giants capture three World Series championships as their third-base coach before retiring in 2014. David Wells in 2012 returned to his alma mater, Point Loma High School, as its pitching coach before being named varsity coach in 2014. Trevor Hoffman’s name appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot — Class of 2016 — for the first time.

My hope is that when someone reads any of these stories, or even my journey, that they will not only learn something, but be inspired to live and enjoy their OWN journey.

To order, visit the One on One store

Or contact me with inquiries at Hello@JaneMitchellOneOnOne.com

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In 2005, it was exciting to see Mr. Berra in the lobby again, this time greeting his former Yankees teammate Jerry Coleman, who was being honored for his broadcasting career. When I asked how Mr. Coleman was as a player, Mr. Berra said: “Fine. Saved me from a lot of errors.” No Yogi-isms. No pretense. No arrogance.  Just a nice, cordial man who respected my role and lauded his most deserving friend. Often the smallest moments can leave a big impression. And isn’t it nice when it’s a good one?

I feel privileged to have been in Cooperstown for three Induction Weekends with access both as a member of the media and a guest of the Padres. Seeing people including Yogi Berra was as if I opened a book or old film archives and took a walk through time — then to now.

RIP Mr. Berra and thank you for the remarkable mark you’ve made.

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http://4sd.com/one-on-one-legends.html

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After Tony Gwynn’s passing in 2014, Channel 4 San Diego re-aired the five One on One editions (from 1997-2007) back-to-back several times to allow fans to hear his story, hear his voice, hear his laugh and honor his life during their grief.

What a gift we had in longtime Padre. What an opportunity we had to share his story and legacy with others. The positive response echoed what I had long believed — that viewers (die-hard and casual sports fans alike) appreciate hearing the journeys of those past and present athletes who have been part of San Diego’s, and the nation’s, sports and community landscape.  With that, the vision to re-visit the archives was realized. In 2015, I was asked to return to Channel 4 to create the One on One LEGENDS series.

Of course Tony Gwynn was on the list of 12. We had the most recent one-hour version from our trip to Cooperstown with him in 2007 and the 2014 memorial service thousands attended and even more watched live on Fox Sports San Diego. Between that and learning of his final efforts to curb smokeless tobacco use, other honors at SDSU, and the new Tony Gwynn Baseball Classic, we had a rich amount of elements to remember his vibrant life, re-experience the poignancy of the tributes, and share how his legacy continues in new ways, too. (My thanks to:  SDSU and Jason Bott for providing video, to the Padres and Fox Sports San Diego for the memorial service, and to the folks  at the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society who confirmed one of Gwynn’s last contributions with information here  http://pbats.com/gwynn-contributed-to-anti-tobacco-film-in-months-before-death/

Watching the memorial service recording for the first time brought tears to my eyes; how do you sum up a life in a few hours? Everyone who participated, and those who watched and listened, enveloped who the Hall of Famer was. Some stories sounded familiar. Some were new. But as I watched and selected what to include, I wanted to make sure we touched on the many facets that made Tony Gwynn loved, respected and admired. Each will hold his or her own memories of the 15-time All-Star, but when someone watches this for the first time — whether they knew of him of not — I hope this hour informs and inspires. For those who knew him, or felt like they did because of who he was, I hope this allows you to celebrate and remember Tony Gwynn the man, the legend.

If ever there were one person who epitomized my motto, “Perpetuate the Positive. Be part of the Good Sports Story,” Tony Gwynn was it.  I’m grateful the powers that be at Cox/Channel 4 San Diego saw the value in sharing the archives and allowing me to tell his story “full circle” as a remarkable person, a Legend, indeed.

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Say “Sports Legend” in San Diego, and Junior Seau is high on that list. His name, image and iconic stature reach well beyond San Diego and now into the Pro-Football Hall of Fame. Sadly, this man with a bigger-than-life  personality on and off the football field, with a huge heart for philanthropy and making people feel special, was gone sooner than anyone  expected. Junior Seau took his own life in 2012. Later, a study showed he suffered brain injuries which could help explain why things happened.

Even in light of the tragedy, and the important conversation it ignited surrounding sports injuries and adjustments after the game,  it is Junior Seau’s life that is still so vibrant and rich with stories and lessons. It’s important we remember and share  — with younger people who’ve heard of this “Legend” — what he learned and what he taught along the way of his remarkable journey.

Thankfully, we had featured Junior a few times during the 15 years of the original One on One series on Channel 4:  in 1999, the first Charger featured, and the most in-depth interview with him to date; and in 2003, as San Diego was about to host the Super Bowl and we presented stories of local icons. In this special Legends edition, editor Dan Roper and I meld the interviews and add in new information about his passing, charity work, and the public memorial service at the stadium he called home.

Personally, I’m honored to call Junior a friend albeit mostly in the context of interviews, story telling, and teaming up for charitable endeavors. He didn’t call me Buddy, but rather “Jane Mitchell” or “Jane Mitchell One on One” always greeting me with joy and respect. He graciously made comments for my book which features a chapter on him. Our last conversation was at his final golf gala in 2012 where we chatted about getting together later that spring about some new and creative business ideas. With a hug and smile, like he would do for so many others too, I just expected to see him again. How sad we all were when that was not to be.

So this One on One Legends edition is an opportunity to remember the qualities he had and shared, among them his unique way of talking and putting things in perspective. My favorite part of the whole sit-down interview is at the end, when he talks about the rings of life.

Junior wasn’t perfect, and he shared publicly what he wanted to share, but even so that was usually humility, faith, motivating stories, and his big and generous heart. His rhythm of life — even if he sang off key a bit, or had fears or flaws we may never truly understand  — set a  great example for all ages. What his family and friends say about him echoes how he tried to honor his parents and “make happy.” You don’t have to be an athlete or even a big sports fan to appreciate what he did with his platform to help and inspire others.

Enjoy… and please share.

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Here’s the show.

Usually legends have a few decades of life and experience under their belts, but for the One on One series featuring the Legends, we make an exception for the Blue Bombers. The Park View Little League team battled its way to the top to become the Little League World Series Champions in 2009. At the time, they were 11- and 12-year-old boys. In 2015, they are all high school graduates with most of them entering their sophomore year in college. But what has transpired for them after the spotlight, through high school and now? Revisiting their journey and updating their stories was a lot of fun even if it was a bit like herding cats!

In 2010, the parents and coaches gathered all the boys in our studio for a wonderful interview experience for me, and I think for them. This time around, with some in high school, others in college both locally and out of state, getting them together was a bigger task. So, we did the best we could and five (Bradly, Seth, Markus, Oscar and Jensen) were able to rendezvous with photographer Dan Roper and me at the Park View Little League field to talk about being there and life since 2010. I had seen most of them in 2012 at a small reunion, but now they are really young men! They are just as personable, respectful and nice as ever.

The others who couldn’t make it answered questions for me in emails and along with pictures, we were able to piece together where the dazzling dozen are now. (Many thanks to the parents and to Rod Roberto for helping me get in touch with everyone!)

This video jigsaw puzzle is one of my favorites – realizing what a production it was back in 2010 to weave their wonderful adventure and reflections into a one-hour show to celebrate a wonderful achievement. Then, to be able to follow them and see how they still appreciate their success with humility and pride makes me glad we could dedicate time and resources to share such a “good sports story.”

On another personal note, the moms used to call me “Mama Jane” as an adopted part of the family. Now, I really am a Mama Jane, and listening to how the parents described their boys as babies makes me appreciate, even more, how special it is to have and be a loving parent, happy to help my little one grow and develop, have fun and follow her passion.

In order to do justice to their stories, we left out the story of the 1961 Little League World Champs, but that story will be uploaded to YouTube to view again, too.

Show Summary:

One on One with Jane Mitchell: Legend Park View Little League Champions The story of the Little League World Champions, their journey to the top, hometown hoopla and where they are now after graduating high school.

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I had also done stories with him for the pre-game show and saw him around the ballpark over the years, and our conversations were always thoughtful and substantive. He is not a chitchat kind of person, but takes interest in what you’re doing, shares details about things that matter to him, and is very respectful of others’ roles and activities.

Dave is a featured chapter in my book, and on the cover’s montage. (See Store for the book.) The two times I sat down with him in-depth, 1999 and 2001, were interesting and fun. He’s a serious guy, but when he laughs, it’s quite the punctuation mark coming from a man with great stature.

Baseball is America’s past time. Its diamond offers riches in the simple game of catch, in the dream realized of playing in the major leagues, and in the most brilliant, rare and revered honor: being enshrined at Baseball’s Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. His performance and presence made for a powerful combination. Dave Winfield was the first player to enter Baseball’s Hall of Fame as a San Diego Padre. This is the story of Dave Winfield’s life on the diamond and his journey, which has come full circle and then some – as he continues to use his platform for good, for business, and for both the past and future of the game.

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