Mickelson turned down offer to buy San Diego Padres
Baseball fan Phil Mickelson turned down an offer to buy an ownership share on the San Diego Padres, he told The San Diego Union-Tribune this week.
"I was approached by the new ownership group several times," Mickelson said. "I took a look at it and thought it could be a great deal for someone. But at this point I'm just not interested in being a part of any sports franchise."
Talk of Lefty getting involved with his hometown team started Wednesday when Padres GM Kevin Towers told reporters that Mickelson was considering a share in the team. It made sense since Mickelson loves baseball so much he tried out as a pitcher for the Toledo Mud Hens in 2003. ("Lefty" actually throws right-handed.) While he didn't have a big-league fastball, Mickelson was not a dilettante either, according to MinorLeagueNews.com.
"He did have a very good curveball and had a very good split," admitted Mud Hens pitching coach Jeff Jones. "The velocity was not what you would see at this level, but I think if he would locate his pitches he would get some people out."
If he does ever decide to buy the Padres, Mickelson especially will enjoy beating the Dodgers, favorite team of you-know-who.
Posted by: DJ | Apr 18, 2009 1:08:57 AM
Phil would find a way to blow a two-run lead in the 7th game of the Series.
Posted by: DG | Apr 17, 2009 6:48:23 PM
I lived in Toledo at the time of Phil's "tryout." The only media outlets that used that term in relation to his day with the Mud Hens were golf publlications. Local media covered it as Phil spending a day with the team.
Posted by: HB | Apr 17, 2009 3:38:58 PM
To be fair to the writer I remember when Mickelson pulled that stunt, and all the headlines at the time were reporting that he was "trying out" for Toledo as a pitcher. Your point is completely valid but calling the writer unproffesional for reporting it is a little extreme imo
Posted by: BenSeattle | Apr 17, 2009 12:03:37 PM
This comment is absolutely ridiculous: "Mickelson loves baseball so much he tried out as a pitcher for the Toledo Mud Hens in 2003." Mickelson simply went through what can only be called a Celebrity Workout, enjoying his status as a high-profile golfer to mingle with the minor-league players. To call this a "tryout" is simply untrue and unprofessional reporting.