Eric Hosmer is the newest member of the San Diego Padres after inking an eight-year deal worth $144 million, but he’s bringing a piece of Kansas City with him. To honor his late former teammate, Yordano Ventura, Hosmer will wear No. 30 in San Diego.
“I spoke to [coach] Glenn Hoffman yesterday and I know he wears No. 30 and basically told him it would mean a lot to me if I can wear No. 30 and continue Yordano’s legacy,” Hosmer said during his introductory news conference on Tuesday (h/t MLB.com). “It really meant a lot to me and Hoff was more than open of letting me carry on that number. And like I told him, I’ll wear it with pride each and every day and it’s something that myself and the core guys with Kansas City want to continue to make sure that Yordano’s legacy is lived out.”
As you likely remember, Ventura passed away in January of 2017 in a car accident while spending time in his native Dominican Republic. His loss was a huge blow to everyone within the Royals organization, along with the entire MLB community as a whole.
Hosmer spoke on behalf of the entire Royals organization last year in a pre-game ceremony on Opening Day that honored Ventura. He and Ventura were close, and it’s clear he still carries his friend with him wherever he goes.