Before I begin this post, I would like to express my deepest condolences for Mr. Padre, Tony Gywnn. Gywnn was a true icon for San Diego and national sports. It’s been a tough year for the Padres especially after already losing the great Jerry Coleman. We truly lost another leader and friend in San Diego sports so I’m happy to see all of the positive tributes to him locally and in the national media.

Thanks to @sdgaucho on Instagram for this photo of Tony Gwynn’s statue.

While we are all mourning the loss of Mr. Padre, baseball season is still in full swing and I know my San Diego Padres will want to do whatever they can to make Tony Gwynn proud! Despite our not so hot record, of course I’m cheering on my Padres. I love any opportunity I get to connect with my favorite baseball team. A few years ago a simple Tweet I posted got me VIP access to a Padres game. This year (May 2014) I was invited by the University Club to practice with the Padres in their batting cages.

I arrived to the Lexus Premier Club where I was greeted with appetizers and beverages. After mingling a bit, it was time for me to batter up! I got to bat at the very same spot Mr. Padre even once stood. I must say that my batting average wasn’t too bad! I had such a great time in the cages and even got a behind the scenes tour of the field at Petco Park.

Thanks to the University Club for this special behind the scenes experience. If you haven’t been to the University Club it’s home to one of the best views in San Diego and is the pre-eminent club for social and business connections in San Diego. Crowning the San Diego Symphony Towers, in the heart of beautiful downtown San Diego, it’s a place to build fulfilling, long-lasting relationships. They host effective, high-quality networking events such as the one I just attended and have many and business advantages. Members can also come by to relax or for a  fine-dining experience with breathtaking views of the city. I’ve you haven’t been to the University Club, I highly recommend checking it out. If you’re interested, contact me and I’ll connect you with Michelle Belgar (on the left in the photo). She founded the Young Executive Society at the University Club and will be able to connect you with the right person to help you set up a tour and learn more information about joining.

I wish my San Diego Padres the best of luck as they continue to play ball with their hero now resting in peace. I’m so glad I had the unique experience of going behind the scenes with the Padres and I hope to see everyone out at a ball game some time soon.