A disappointing end
My son, Cole, celebrates his sixth birthday on Monday. I had hoped to give him a really special present -- Game 5 of the NLDS. He's in kindergarten, and I was going to let him take the day off to come watch us play at PETCO Park.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals -- and the baseball gods -- didn't cooperate.
These are always the toughest days, when you watch it end and are filled with so much disappointment. It's an empty feeling after you've thrown yourself into something like this for so long.
We really believed we were a much better team than last year and destined for big things. We truly believed we were going to go deep into October. But it didn't happen, and now we go home and try to get over the disappointment.
This team played a lot of great baseball, inspired baseball. We never quit. It was a great group of guys to play with, in every way. I honestly don't think you could find 25 better guys on a ballclub. Everywhere you look in this clubhouse you see a good person, dedicated and selfless. And that's what makes it so difficult to see it all end.
You invest so much energy and passion, and just like that, it's over. Guys will go their separate ways, and you just don't know what next season will bring. At this point, I'm not sure I'll be back. We'll just have to see how that plays out with my contract having expired.
Naturally, I'd love to come back. This is my hometown team, and these last two years in San Diego have been wonderful in every respect. I've never had a season as good as this one. The only thing wrong with it is that it is ending much too soon. We had so much left to give, if only we could have gotten a few more timely hits.
Why we didn't do that, I really don't know. It's baseball. Sometimes you have to give the other guys credit. Chris Carpenter beat us twice, and I think he's the best pitcher in baseball. They came in with some young guys out of the bullpen that we weren't very familiar with, and those guys were tough on us. As I said coming into the series, there's a reason why St. Louis has such a great baseball tradition. That was a good ballclub that beat us.
Even though we respected the Cardinals and knew they'd be a handful, we had high expectations coming into this series after the way we played in September to get here. That was an amazing month, going 19-9, every game meaningful.
This team really responded and rose to the occasion. I think that's what fans should try to remember when they think about the 2006 Padres. All those games and moments, Trevor Hoffman becoming the all-time saves leader, coming from behind so many times, showing so much heart ... that's how I'll remember this team.
Another thing that really jumps out is how the young guys have come through, what Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Barfield, Cla Meredith and Clay Hensley, what all these young guys did this season. They became huge contributors and laid the foundation for great careers. It's always exciting for a guy like myself who has been around to be part of that.
The pitching staff is excellent, and the nucleus is right where it needs to be. We'll see what happens, but it doesn't seem to me that very much is missing here.
I really hope I'm part of it. Whatever happens, I want all our fans out there to know how much we appreciated the support, and we're really sorry we couldn't deliver that Game 5. Unfortunately, my wife and I will have to figure out another way to make my son's birthday something to remember.
Dave,congratulations on a battle hard fought,both to you and the whole team. The fact that we lost is made harder I think, because of how far we came. Nobody expected the Padres to win the division,much less make the playoffs, but I think from a point early on, it was plain to see the heart and determination that the team ,as a whole, had.
I for one, plan on attending Spring Training and hope to see the core of the team intact and ready to make another run for the pennant. I know that free agency makes it hard to keep a team together, so I'll take this opportunity to thank the current team for a great season that kept my son and myself on the edge of our seats. You guys make Padre fans proud and it's a damned shame we didn't go further. We just have to hand it to the Cards for stepping up.
On that note, I'll say aloha until next Spring and hope to see you in Peoria.
Thanks again and Happy Birthday to Cole !!
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Valiant effort, Dave. I was fortunate enough to catch a number of Padre games on MLB Extra Innings (west coast games are convenient bed-time fodder here on the east coast). You were a better team this year than last, and have a bright future. Have a pleasant off season.
Michael Norton - Some Ballyard
http://mlblog.someballyard.com
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It was great watching you play this year Dave, I really hope you're able to resign with the Padres next year and I have to say you've got to be the team MVP this year, I don't think anyone else really came close.
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Dave, you have nothing to hang your head about...you did a great job.
Happy birthday do Cole and thanks for everything!
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You did a great job. Wish you the best next season. Happy Birthday to your son.
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Dave,
Coming from a Cards fan I wanted you to know that you are by far one of the best leadoff guys I have seen play. It was good enough that almost all message boards for Cards fans had a Anti-Roberts club, you just get on too often. I thought your play throughout this series was wonderful and if we didn't already have a firstbaseman I would be campaigning for you to come to StL. Good Luck and I hope you get to stay in San Diego with such a wonderful ball club, actually my favorite west coast team.
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Hey Dave,
I would like to thank you and the team for playing your hearts out all 167 games. You all made San Diego have something to talk about. I got the privelage of going to about 30 games this year including my first 2 playoff games and it was fun all the weay through. I was so disappointed to see the lose but sometimes things just dont go your way. Congrats team MVP you had a heck of a year and i hope you come back with all the other free agents on this ball club.
Mike
p.s. happy b day cole
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Dave,
What a series man, you were so incredible. You showed as much heart as I have ever seen. From all of the St. Louis fans, I would like to say how good you are to baseball. In a time of steroids and big talkers, you just go out there and play the game. Good work man. Hey, I think you would like nice in a red and white jersey next year. I would love to see you in St. Louis. Keep it real. I hope your son is having a good birthday.
JW
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Hey Dave,
I haven't been a big fan of baseball in a long time, but this year I became a huge Padres fan. I really enjoyed watching you guys rise to be on e of the best teams in the league and every game, win or lose was a joy to behold. You are the Western Division Champs for a reason and I look forward to seeing you all next season. Best of Luck with whatever your future holds for you, let's just hope it is in a Padres uniform! Teri Smith
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Dave
You played your heart out - we could see you try so hard - The Padres needs you - you cannot leave yet - you are not done - we all love you and will miss you - I am a new fan of baseball because of the great Padres. Keep it up and I enjoy reading your blogs. Keep us posted. Go Padres!
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thank you, thank you, thank you Dave Roberts and San Diego Padres. This was a season to remember you really helped me put this unfortunate end into a positive perspective. I would agree with you on all points we just didnt have luck on our side and the Cards had just enough good luck to win. again lets not forget we are the division leaders and we can certainly look forward to a bright future with our new players.
Thank You
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Hi Dave,
I think what you said about remembering the spirit, resiliancy, and excitement of this team is right on. Every team that doesn't win the World Series is going to have a moment of disappointment when their season ends. But rather than focusing on the end, I think we should focus on what a wonderful season it was. It has been a long time since we had a team that was this fun to watch and who seemed to be such quality people. I'm glad you all enjoyed each other and played so well. Please know that if you don't get to be in San Diego next year, you will still be in the hearts of the fans and you'll be welcomed back in whatever uniform you wear -- we hope it will be a Padres one for a long time to come!
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Dave, you're an awesome lead-off guy - amongst the best in the league, and even more importantly, a stand-up guy in the community. I hope the "San Diego discount" is tolerable for you, and we'll see you next season at Petco. If not, you'll always have fans here! Congratulations on a great season.
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Hey Dave,
You and the Padres are a great team and I just wanted to say congratulations on a great season! I'm a Cardinals fan and I just wanted to say thanks for being such a good competitor. In the regualar season, you guys smoked the Cards. Well, have a great offseason and I hope to see ya back with the Padres! Happy Birthday Cole! Later!
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Dave, thank you for such a great season. You are 1 of my son's favorite player. We moved to Colorado 2 years ago from San Diego. We are still Padres' fans and every time San Diego Padres play here, we make sure we go to at least 3 games. I really hope you are still with the Padres next year since my son would like to get your autograph next time you play in Dever. You are a great player. You and the whole team did a great job. Wish you the best and hope your son has a great B-Day!!
Congratulations on a Great Season!!
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Mr. Roberts,
Just wanted to thank you for not only an amazing and memorable season, but for taking the time to stop and say hi to us fans who were waiting outside the parking garage last night when the busses returned. You and your wife were so gracious even in the middle of the night after a long weekend and long trip home. It means so much to us to know that you appreciate San Diego's support, and I do hope that you'll be around next year to take your hometown team even further into the postseason, and getting that uniform dirty just minutes into the first inning! Thank you again for all that you do on the field, in the San Diego community, and for the great memories of the 2006 season. Go Pads!
Leila
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Mr. Roberts,
Congratulations on a great season!!!
I personally would like to thank you for all you did this year. I enjoyed watching you play. You were awsome this year. Your efforts in the community, on the field, at bat and base running were terrific! You are an asset to the Padre organization and I hope and pray that you will be in a Padre's uniform for years to come.
I wish you a great off season and I look forward to your return. Take care, and many blessings to you and your family.
Friar Tom
(Yes, I'm a real friar!)
GO PADRES!!!
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Of all the guys on the roster, I was dissapointed to have you get the last out. You gave 110% in the series and you were our series MVP. It was great watching you play this year and tell Towers to give you the money because all of San Diego wants you back next year. See you in April, in a pads uniform.
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To Dave Roberts and all the Pads...Thanks for a great season! It was an exciting time to be from San Diego. All year it was a battle, and you guys showed lot's of charachter. September was amazing. I was in LA for the Wells vs. Maddux game, jeeze, what an incredible atmosphere you guys created up there! Again, thanks for the wild ride, and lot's of divisional wins! See ya next year hopefully.
-Lifelong Padres fan
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Hi Dave,
First of all I want to thank you fo your effort in making this year's baseball an exciting one. I know you gave 200% of your self especially during the post season. I just wish you will be back next year because we need a veteran like you. Who cares if you are 40 year-old? "The big bossess should not replace you with the rookies. They should consider how much energy and passion you have and how much you contribute to the Padres.They have to remember: there is one and only Dave Roberts and they cannot duplicate you with a rookie." I felt so bad that you guys lost yesterday but FATE was not on your side. FOR ALL THE PADRES PLAYERS AND FANS, just think it this way: this year was a BONUS. Who would think that you can be the NL West champion back to back...there were 12 teams in the NL that were contending for the play-off spot and you did it. Really..that was a BONUS that we were able to watch again a play-off game. EVERYONE SHOULD BE THANKFUL ABOUT IT!!! I AM PROUD OF YOU GUYS.
Again, thank you for all your efforts. I hope to see you next year and I hope to talk to you and be able to get your autograph when we go to the Spring training in March. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR SON. HOPE HE WILL GROW UP AS GREAT AS YOU ARE. GOD BLESS HIM.
GO PADRES!!!
Sincerely,
Dorothy
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Dave,
You guys were such a treat to watch all season and not a single one of you has reason to hang your heads. After the last pitch last night, I immediately began thinking about who might be on next year's team and... whether or not I was going to pick another team to support in the playoffs. You had so many amazing games that I know added some full length grey hairs to my collection and every pitch was just a blast! I've never been able to follow a team so closely and been so proud of their efforts as you guys. I SINCERELY hope that the team finds a way to keep you because I'm not rootin' for them anymore if they don't, darnit! Perhaps we can work Tony Gwynn into some coaching capacity, too??!!! Sure would be nice.
Anyway, thanks for the smiles and the effort and the dirt on your uniform. From one player to another, you've definitely become my new favorite athlete! Cheers on a great season and... Happy Birthday, Cole!
Love,
Laurie - Central California
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Dave,
We are truly lucky to have experienced you for these past two great years! You've played your best baseball and it's been amazing watching you. I didn't even watch baseball before you came along! Hopefully "they" will be smart enough to keep you for many, many seasons to come. I really respect you for all your contributions to baseball and to the community as well, you are a fantastic role model. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and wishin' and hopin' to see you at Spring training next year.
All the best,
Chantal
p.s. A very Happy birthday to your super-cute son, Cole!
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Dave Roberts, The 2006 Padres are a great team, period. The team aura reminds me a bit of the 1987 Minnesota Twins. You're winners! Simply stated, you are all overachievers, in a division which gets frequently forgotten. Regardless of the poor statistics when it came to timely hits with men in scoring position, the 2006 Padres possess something few teams in baseball ever achieve... that is an atmosphere of "family." I think this is why great players like you and Ryan Klesko, Piazza and Park, Williams and Walker, all veterans, are probably packing your bags with a lump in your throat. The ever-so-rare aspect of "family" in a sport that has become more and more a business, is one-in-a-million. Thank you for a magical year! In my eyes, the 2006 Padres have won the most important series of all. That is the creation of a true team. I hope Kevin Towers keeps you in left field for the rest of your career. I hope you are in a Padre uniform until every hair in your goatee turns grey, and your own son plays in an outfield in the greatest sport ever... baseball.
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Dave,
I, too, as a Padre fan am disappointed in the outcome of this series. This team had a great year and you were a huge part of that. I consider you to be one of the best lead off hitters in BB. You bring much of the personality and spirit to this clubhouse, which I believe creates a chemistry that the other players feed off of.
Unfortunately, this team lacked real offensive pop in the middle, especially down the stretch, which will simply HAVE to be addressed in the off-season. I would like to believe this can be addressed at 3rd and other areas without removing you from the leadoff spot. If that is not the case, it has been an extreme pleasure to watch you represent MY PADRES the last two years. Good luck with all. Happy birthday Cole!
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Dave,
All I have to say is that I sure am PROUD to be a San Diego Padres Fan no matter the outcome. Despite the unfortunate loss, you guys are number one in my eyes. We've been on the edge of our seats watching the games this season and it's been such an amazing ride.
Thank you for what you do. Its so great seeing you out there.Please, please come back next year because I don't know what we'd do without you!!
I wish you the best of everything and Happy Birthday to Cole!
-Pam from San Diego
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Dave,
As a 10 year season ticket holder, I appreciate the post season more each year. That is why this was such a tough loss. I truly hope the Padres resign you to multi-year contract this off season. You and Chris Young were the two bright spots in a very disappointing NLDS and you earned the job every day. You are a great community guy and I hope to see you on opening day 2007.
Kevin - San Marcos
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Well, I enjoyed every moment watching you guys play quality baseball this season. It's so cliche, but baseball is full of ups and downs. I'm really looking foward to next season, hopefully we will see you in the navy blue and white next season. But if not dave, i wish you the best of luck. and i'm sure i'm speaking for many pads fans that we will respect you regardless of what goes down in the offseason. you guys played your hearts out, and that's all we can ask...although your son didn't get to see a game today, he is blessed to have a great guy like you for a father
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Dave, enjoy the off season. Enjoy your family. I wish you the best with your next contract. Of course I'd love to see you back in San Diego again, but I realize that may not be best for you. Good Luck, and keep on stealing bases (i thought you were SAFE!)
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Dave, I've been watching the Padres since 1985 when I was 6 years old and I think this years' team has been the most memorable for me in many ways. You guys played hard, got dirty, got hurt, bounced back and played with so much heart I never wanted to miss a game. As a fan, you can't ask for more than that. A group of guys that truly appreciate where they are and do the best they can every single day. I really hope you are able to return again next year and for the rest of your career even. I think a big number 10 would look great up above center field someday! Anyway, thank you for everything you've done for the team and for San Diego the last 2 years. Enjoy your time off! You've earned it!
Ryan - Washington, DC
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Dave
You guys had a great year. Hopefully next year you will still be on the team. AND, hopefully the padres will acquire the important pieces to improve and make it much deeper into the playoffs than this year.
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It's really too bad that ou guys couldn't go farther in the playoffs I was really pullin for ya.
Oh and happy birthday to your son
~Katie
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First of all, this is a great way to let you know..ONE MORE TIME!!(LOL), that you and Blummer are legends in your own time. It must be the coolest thing to know that you two guys will go down in history as players who played pivotal roles in your respective teams winning the whole **** thing. I was giddy when I heard you were "coming our way", man. So here we are, the year is over and inevitable change will happen in the offseason, but from my mouth and heart to your ears, I'd like t let you know that not only are you the MVP,for the team but we would have been "up the creek" without you at the top of the order. You're one of the bigger pieces to the Padre puzzle Dave, and I hope things work out for you coming back, even tho "Big Ben" is breathing down your neck. Hope to see both of you guys, in Peoria. Dammit, I hate it when a team with this kind of chemistry is altered. Good Luck...and Gods' Speed, Doc.
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Doctor Dave, this was my first season as a Padres fan. And nothing could top this for me. I have enjoyed every single game SO much and most of all, I have been amazed by every single player on this team. You guys have NOTHING to be sorry for. You played great baseball and you made San Diego proud. There is not a team in the league with more heart than the Padres. When business needed to get done, you guys got it done. Two years in a row as NL West Champs???? C'mon, that's nothing to be hanging your heads over!
Your true fans are the ones who love the team regardless. They don't Monday-morning-quarterback, they don't try to tell you what you did right or wrong, they don't tell YOU how to play baseball. I could not be prouder of "my" team. And most of all, I hope you stay next year. Kevin Towers and Co., I hope you hang onto this gem because to me and to all of us, there is no lead-off guy better than the Doctor. We love ya Dave and pray for many more great seasons with you and the Pads ... every single one of you. God bless you and we'll SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLE!!!!!
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Dave,
Too many longwinded comments that all say what we all feel. Thanks for a great year, and best of luck to you in the off season. As far as contracts go, remember you can't beat this weather nor this community.
This season doesn't deserve a MVP but a MVT, you guys are the Most Valuable Team!
Blessings,
Branden
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Dave -
I've bragged in the last couple years that what makes the Padres so special to me is that you guys are a TEAM. It was so hard to express to people who don't follow the West how that cohesiveness and heart really shines through - how a team is such a tight unit that every member rises and falls together. Until they saw you guys play together. And then they understood.
I want to thank you and the rest of the guys for embodying everything a team should be. From the more experienced players who took you guys like Cla, Adrian, and Josh Barfield under their wings, to the younger guys who brought so much energy and excitement to the team, I don't think I will forget the 2006 Padres any time soon.
Here's hoping we get to see many more years of this crowd!
Cheers for a season well-played! And lots of love from all your loyal fans (who will never stop believing you guys can do anything)!
Capri
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Even though I didn't get to use my tix for today I sure had a fun season! Thanks for the good times, and have a blast this winter! What better present to get Cole than his daddy ALL day! See you in Feb., Knikki in La Mesa
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Hello Dave
Thanks for a fantastic season, Really enjoyed the intense season of great baseball. Looking forward to April, and three NLW titles and longer Oct with this great team. My dad loved the Padres, and so do I.
Ken
Eastlake
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Dave, Thank you, the team, the coaching staff, the broadcasters etc. for a great season. An inspirational season. Just read that article about Woody and in addition I know that Linebrink went through something as well. Then there is of course Chan Ho. Yeah that is life but, it's how you deal with life that makes a difference. YOu guys continue to lead by example and by ACTION. Thank you for your leadership, I hope you return next year. Stay in touch, during the off season, If you continue to blog let me know... YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!
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Dave,
Great season for you and the guys. On a personal note I would like to thank you very much for taking the time to autograph a baseball for my son at one of the games at Petco. It meant a lot to him. I really wish the other Padres would take the time before the games to sign autographs for the kids. It really makes their day. Hope to see you next season as a Padre.
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Dave,
I'm a Red Sox fan and cheered for you when you were with the Sox and now the Pads. You were one of my favorite players; such a class act. I can think of at least one Sox player who should have learned what a baseball player should be from your example. I was sad to see you leave the east coast, but am glad that you actually got to play, especially on such a good team. I felt awful that you made the last out. Just want you to know that you still have fans here on the east coast and wish you many more seasons and your family much happiness.
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Dave,
I'm a Cards fan, and on behalf of all Cards fans I just wanted to say that you obviously gave more than 110% in the series. You were a great player, weren't afraid to get dirty, and just an overall class act. I hope your son had a happy birthday, and I'll be looking for you next year!
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Dave, you are truly a class act, a player we can all be proud of. Even my nine year old son say your'e his favorite. Really hope to see you on this team next year. Thanks for the extra effort you obviously have put into the game.
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To Dave Roberts.
In this offseason, you will be a suitable option for some team who try to find a decent leadoff.
And you can play in centerfield, of course.
Only Problem: Peavy
I guess.
Every else players play near expectations but...
That's only I guess.
Thanks, Kian.
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Dave,
First of all, conagrads on the second Western Division Title!!! I just wanted to let you know that even though you and the padres did not make past the NLDS this yera just like last year, that out of all the players in this series, you gave out 250%. You and the rest of the team went out there and played with the passion and love you all had for the game. Although you lost, you guys fought a hard battle. The Cards a a good team, I bet you we could of won the series because we are a good team but we just weren't getting the hits that we needed to get to win. But, I think that it was great for all you guys to have won that one game on Sunday. I had fun going to games all season long and I can't wait until next season and I hope that you are apart of the Padres 2007 team.
Thanks for a Great season and hope to see you out there next season in 2007
The Padres #1 fan,
Alex
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Dave,
Thank you, from my entire family, for a great year! Around Father's Day, we sent you a picture of my son (Mat) at Petco, reflected in dad's sunglasses (worn by little sister Rory). We hope you enjoyed getting it! Just a few days after we sent it, you had your unfriendly meeting with the concrete wall at Angels Stadium. We were all watching when that happened, and our entire family was praying for you during that time. We were so happy you were able to recover so quickly and come back! Thank you again for such a great season! We were also at the "Fellowship with the Padres" after a Sunday game, and it was so wonderful to see so many wonderful men up there talking about their relationships with Jesus -- we have quite a special team here in San Diego, and we are so glad you are part of it!!
Enjoy your family during the off season!
Sincerely,
Carey Schumacher
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Dave,
2006 was an enjoyable season for many reasons, but one of the main ones was to watch & experience a pro athlete giving it all every single game.
You are a living example of what a PRO should be (not only on sports, but a professional in general).
Savor this off season and get ready for 2007.
Sincerely
Benji Lozano
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dave, 2006 was a Great Season. i appreciate YOU giving your all and thanks for making 2006 a enjoyable season to watch and experience. yea the padres went 2-32 with risp but you came up big with your bat and your defense. thank you for everything and hope to see you next season! happy b-day to your son!
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Dave,
What a year! I have met you a few times and I have never felt so proud of a professional player than I do for you. I am glad to see all of your hard work paying off. I understand baseball is a business, but I sure hope you can stay here with us a few more years. Remember, things could always be worse. You made a statement this year that you are a GREAT everyday player. THe best of luck to you and your family. Happy Birthday to Cole and a Happy Belated Birthday to your daughter! (Sept. 19) I share the same day!
Jaime
Oceanside
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GO Padres
Mission April
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Dave,
I was born and raised here in San Diego And I have never seen a more exciting lead off hitter for the Padres since Alan Wiggins. You are "The Doctor" I put $25 in the keep Dave Roberts fund at Petco for you. I hope my investment pays off for you, me and all of San Diego. You need to stay here, WE NEED YOU!!!!
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Dave,
I saw you speak during the preseason festivities at Petco...you were excited and optimistic and promised to deliver and try to stay healthy. Needless to say, you did all that and more. Your attitude and aggressiveness carried the club to many victories and you were a critical component of our success this season and made for alot of excitement for us fans. I hope mgmt sees the value in keeping you here to continue performing in the town that you love. All good blessings in whatever comes.
Matt
San Diego
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Hi Dave.
I know this is an old blog, but it’s the only place I could think of to contact you. And in honor of your first reappearance at Fenway;
I want to applaud from thousands of miles away and say, THANK YOU.
Love
A South African Red Sox Fan.
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