In the world of professional sports, stories of triumph often dominate headlines, but sometimes the most profound narratives are those of compassion and loyalty. For San Diego Padres fans, the name Matt LaChappa may not evoke memories of on-field heroics, but his story resonates deeply as a testament to the organization’s heart. LaChappa, a promising pitcher drafted by the Padres in 1993, has been on a paid contract with the team for over 30 years - despite never playing a single professional game. This remarkable gesture, spearheaded by the Padres' director of minor league operations, Priscilla Oppenheimer, has ensured LaChappa’s care and dignity in the face of life-altering challenges.
Matt LaChappa’s journey began with promise. Born and raised in San Diego County on the Barona Indian Reservation, LaChappa, a member of the Barona Band of Mission Indians, was a standout left-handed pitcher at El Capitan High School in Lakeside. His talent caught the eye of Padres scouts, and in 1993, at just 21 years old, he was selected in the second round of the MLB Draft (55th overall). LaChappa signed with the Padres and joined their minor league system, assigned to the Arizona Rookie League to begin his professional career.
But tragedy struck during a seemingly routine moment. On April 6, 1996, while warming up to pitch for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, a Padres minor league affiliate, LaChappa collapsed on the field. He had suffered a massive heart attack, a shocking event for a young athlete in peak physical condition. Medical staff rushed to his aid, but the damage was severe. Doctors later diagnosed him with cardiomyopathy, a condition that impairs the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. According to the American Heart Association, cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure, and in LaChappa's case, the heart attack triggered additional complications.
LaChappa fell into a coma that lasted six months. When he awoke, he faced significant physical and mental disabilities, including impaired mobility and speech difficulties. His dream of a baseball career was over, and his future became uncertain. At 23 years old, he returned to the Barona Reservation, where his family and community rallied to support him. Unable to work or live independently, LaChappa’s life took a challenging turn - but the Padres refused to let him face it alone.
In an extraordinary act of loyalty, the San Diego Padres made a decision that would define their relationship with LaChappa for decades. Priscilla Oppenheimer, the team’s director of minor league operations at the time, spearheaded an initiative to keep LaChappa on the roster. Starting in 1996, the Padres began signing him to annual rookie-level contracts, a practice that has continued for over 30 years. These contracts, typically valued at around $2,000 per month according to a 2016 ESPN report, provide LaChappa with a steady income to help cover his living expenses and medical care.
LaChappa fell into a coma that lasted six months. When he awoke, he faced significant physical and mental disabilities, including impaired mobility and speech difficulties. His dream of a baseball career was over, and his future became uncertain. At 23 years old, he returned to the Barona Reservation, where his family and community rallied to support him. Unable to work or live independently, LaChappa’s life took a challenging turn - but the Padres refused to let him face it alone.
In an extraordinary act of loyalty, the San Diego Padres made a decision that would define their relationship with LaChappa for decades. Priscilla Oppenheimer, the team’s director of minor league operations at the time, spearheaded an initiative to keep LaChappa on the roster. Starting in 1996, the Padres began signing him to annual rookie-level contracts, a practice that has continued for over 30 years. These contracts, typically valued at around $2,000 per month according to a 2016 ESPN report, provide LaChappa with a steady income to help cover his living expenses and medical care.
Oppenheimer, who retired in 2019 after 37 years with the Padres, became a pivotal figure in LaChappa’s story. Known for her deep care for players, she ensured that LaChappa remained part of the Padres family.
"Matt was one of ours, and we weren’t going to forget him," Oppenheimer said in a 2016 interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune. "He’s a Padre for life." The team’s commitment has allowed LaChappa to live with dignity, surrounded by his family on the reservation, where he enjoys community events and remains a beloved figure.
The Padres' gesture is rare in professional sports, where injured players are often released or offered short-term settlements. According to MLB rules, teams are not obligated to pay players who cannot perform due to injury, especially at the minor league level, where contracts are not guaranteed. Yet, the Padres chose a different path, setting a precedent for compassion. "It’s about doing the right thing," said Padres general manager A.J. Preller in a 2023 statement. "Matt’s story reminds us that baseball is about more than wins and losses—it’s about people."
Despite his challenges, LaChappa has remained a positive presence in his community. Now 53, he lives on the Barona Reservation with support from his family, including his sister, Tina, who has been a constant caregiver. LaChappa uses a wheelchair and communicates with assistance, but his spirit remains strong. He attends Padres games when possible, often sitting in a suite at Petco Park, where he’s greeted warmly by staff and players who know his story. In 2016, the Padres honored him during a pre-game ceremony, presenting him with a jersey and a standing ovation from the crowd.
LaChappa's story has also inspired others. His high school, El Capitan, retired his jersey number, and the Barona Band of Mission Indians established a scholarship in his name to support local students. "Matt’s resilience is a lesson for all of us," said Clifford LaChappa, a tribal leader and Matt’s cousin, in a 2020 interview with Indian Country Today. "He’s shown us what it means to keep going, no matter the odds."
Medical experts note that cardiomyopathy, particularly hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which LaChappa likely suffered from, is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. A 2022 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that HCM affects about 1 in 500 people, often going undiagnosed until a cardiac event occurs. Advances in screening, such as echocardiograms and genetic testing, have improved detection, but in the 1990s, such tools were less common, leaving athletes like LaChappa vulnerable.
The Padres' commitment to LaChappa reflects a broader ethos within the organization, which has often prioritized community and loyalty. The team has a history of supporting players through adversity, such as providing resources for mental health and rehabilitation. LaChappa's story, however, stands out for its longevity and impact. Over the past three decades, the Padres have paid LaChappa an estimated $720,000, a small sum compared to modern MLB salaries but a lifeline for a man unable to work.
As of April 2025, the Padres continue to honor their commitment, with no plans to end LaChappa’s contract. "Matt is part of our history," said Padres president of baseball operations Mike Daly in a recent statement. "We’re proud to support him, and we hope his story inspires others to show kindness in their own lives."
For San Diego fans, LaChappa’s story is a reminder of the human side of sports. While he never took the mound at Petco Park, his presence in the Padres' legacy is undeniable - a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of compassion.
The Padres' gesture is rare in professional sports, where injured players are often released or offered short-term settlements. According to MLB rules, teams are not obligated to pay players who cannot perform due to injury, especially at the minor league level, where contracts are not guaranteed. Yet, the Padres chose a different path, setting a precedent for compassion. "It’s about doing the right thing," said Padres general manager A.J. Preller in a 2023 statement. "Matt’s story reminds us that baseball is about more than wins and losses—it’s about people."
Despite his challenges, LaChappa has remained a positive presence in his community. Now 53, he lives on the Barona Reservation with support from his family, including his sister, Tina, who has been a constant caregiver. LaChappa uses a wheelchair and communicates with assistance, but his spirit remains strong. He attends Padres games when possible, often sitting in a suite at Petco Park, where he’s greeted warmly by staff and players who know his story. In 2016, the Padres honored him during a pre-game ceremony, presenting him with a jersey and a standing ovation from the crowd.
LaChappa's story has also inspired others. His high school, El Capitan, retired his jersey number, and the Barona Band of Mission Indians established a scholarship in his name to support local students. "Matt’s resilience is a lesson for all of us," said Clifford LaChappa, a tribal leader and Matt’s cousin, in a 2020 interview with Indian Country Today. "He’s shown us what it means to keep going, no matter the odds."
Medical experts note that cardiomyopathy, particularly hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which LaChappa likely suffered from, is a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes. A 2022 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that HCM affects about 1 in 500 people, often going undiagnosed until a cardiac event occurs. Advances in screening, such as echocardiograms and genetic testing, have improved detection, but in the 1990s, such tools were less common, leaving athletes like LaChappa vulnerable.
The Padres' commitment to LaChappa reflects a broader ethos within the organization, which has often prioritized community and loyalty. The team has a history of supporting players through adversity, such as providing resources for mental health and rehabilitation. LaChappa's story, however, stands out for its longevity and impact. Over the past three decades, the Padres have paid LaChappa an estimated $720,000, a small sum compared to modern MLB salaries but a lifeline for a man unable to work.
As of April 2025, the Padres continue to honor their commitment, with no plans to end LaChappa’s contract. "Matt is part of our history," said Padres president of baseball operations Mike Daly in a recent statement. "We’re proud to support him, and we hope his story inspires others to show kindness in their own lives."
For San Diego fans, LaChappa’s story is a reminder of the human side of sports. While he never took the mound at Petco Park, his presence in the Padres' legacy is undeniable - a symbol of hope, resilience, and the power of compassion.
Originally published on April 27, 2025.
