Former A’s shortstop Rob Picciolo, one of baseball’s most universally liked people during a playing and coaching career spanning 33 years, died Monday of a heart attack. He was 64.
Picciolo had a previous heart issue, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. He had undergone a surgical procedure in 2004 for an aneurysm in the descending aorta from his heart.
Affectionately called “Peach,” his last job in the major leagues was as Mike Scioscia’s bench coach with the Angels from 2011-13. Previously, he was the Padres’ longest-tenured coach, spending 20 years with San Diego, including 11 seasons on current Giants manager Bruce Bochy’s staff.
“We lost a great man in Rob Picciolo,” former Padres player Mark Sweeney said on social media. “He always cared about everyone else first. He was a loyal baseball teacher. All my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. RIP Peach.”
Longtime Padres announcer Ted Leitner also expressed his condolences, as did others.
So shocked so sad at the passing of longtime #Padres coach Rob Picciolo. Baseball has never had a nicer man as player or coach. If you get to heaven and Rob’s not there trust me-you’re NOT in heaven. Rest In peace ol friend.
— Ted Leitner (@TedLeitner) January 4, 2018
Rob Picciolo. Not a better man around. I looked up to you in every aspect of life. One last handshake my friend. RIP. Thinking of Debbie, Brett, and Dusty. pic.twitter.com/GyZxcVZ1cv
— Phil Nevin (@philnev23) January 4, 2018
The Southern California native’s nine-year major league career began with the A’s in 1977, when he was installed as the starting shortstop for an Oakland team decimated by free agency, which cost the A’s five All-Stars. Just two years earlier, Picciolo finished college ball at Pepperdine and was the A’s first-round pick (No. 4 overall) in the January phase of the draft.
Picciolo was a steady fielding shortstop who hit just .234/.246/.312 during his career with 17 home runs, but he played on the A’s 1981 playoff team and the Milwaukee Brewers’ 1982 World Series squad. He also played a season with the Angels before closing his career by hitting a career-high .275 for the A’s in 1985. Five of his nine seasons as a player were spent in Oakland.
Born in Santa Monica, Picciolo was a star player at Westchester High and Santa Monica College before accepting a scholarship to Pepperdine, where he graduated with a degree in journalism in 1975.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie, and two sons, Brett and Dusty.
