Eric Hosmer to wear No. 30 with Padres in honor of the late Yordano Ventura
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Eric Hosmer won't forget the seven years he spent with the Kansas City Royals or the teammates he left behind as he is introduced as the newest member of the San Diego Padres.
Hosmer announced that he will wear No. 30 in honor of his late friend and former Royals teammate Yordano Ventura, who died last year in an offseason car crash in the Dominican Republic.
The two were teammates in the Royals organization since 2008, and Hosmer considered Ventura like a brother.
"It really meant a lot to me to wear and carry on this number," Hosmer said Tuesday morning during his introductory press conference. "It's something that myself and the core guys of Kansas City want to continue to make sure Yordano's legacy is lived out."
During the World Baseball Classic last year, Hosmer wore an arm band reading "Ace 30" to pay tribute to Ventura.
Hosmer, who signed an eight-year, $144 million deal, wore the No. 35 during his years with Kansas City.
The No. 35 was not available with the Padres. It had been retired in honor of former Cy Young Award winner Randy Jones, who pitched for the club from 1973-80.