Drafted by the Nationals in their first draft class, San Diego Padres’ manager Craig Stammen is back in the Nation’s Capital in a new capacity.

On April 14, 2015, Craig Stammen exited his outing with a torn flexor muscle in his pitching arm at Fenway Park. It was the end of his season, and it turns out Stammen did not pitch in the majors in 2026 either. It was a difficult time for the veteran pitcher.

Stammen began his career with the Washington Nationals, who drafted him out of the University of Dayton in 2005 in the first draft class for Washington. In seven seasons with the Nationals from 2009-2015, Stammen compiled a 26-24 record and 3.91 ERA in over 490 innings. He was a vital member of the bullpen and a great clubhouse presence for the franchise.

After his surgery, the pitcher needed to find a new home.

Washington allowed the pitcher to hit free agency, and he signed two months later with Cleveland in February of 2016. The native of Ohio needed time to reflect, and being in his home state was a great thing for him. Stammen pitched that entire year in Double-A and Triple-A for the Guardians. He amassed 27 1/3 innings between Akron (Double-A) and Columbus (Triple-A).

Stammen and his father have a great relationship. Having him close assisted the pitcher. Stammen learned how to play the game from his dad. Who better to put things into perspective as he battles back from a low point in his career?

“My dad was a very good role model for me my whole entire life,” Craig said about Jeff, who owned a hardware store in Ohio during Craig’s formative years. “He is one of my best friends. I can count on him in any situation that I need. He is my rock to lean on. We have a very close relationship.”

As Stammen returns to Washington, he reflects on his past with the franchise. It was a good time for Stammen. “My favorite memories are when we won the division and got to play in the playoffs… But I had so many good teammates here and so many good friends. That’s going to live with me forever,” Stammen reflected.

Now, as the skipper of the Padres, Stammen brings his knowledge of the game to the Nation’s Capital. In a full-circle moment, Stammen faces the franchise that drafted him and the first team to take a chance on the baseball player.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.