Nate Colbert, who made three All-Star teams in a career that spanned from 1966-1976, has passed away at the age of 76.
The San Diego Padres, with whom Colbert enjoyed his greatest success in Major League Baseball, shared a picture of Colbert on Thursday night, saying “The Padres are deeply saddened by the passing of Padres Hall of Famer Nate Colbert.”
Colbert broke into the big leagues in 1966 with the Houston Astros. He returned to the Astros in 1968, then was drafted by San Diego in the expansion draft. Colbert was a member of the Padres for their first season of play in 1969. He hit 24 home runs that year, setting the stage for the greatest seasons of his career.
In 1970, Colbert hit 38 home runs. He then made three straight All-Star teams, with his powerful bat leading the way. Colbert hit 27 home runs in 1971, matched his career high with 38 home runs in 1972 and hit 22 in 1973. Colbert hit five home runs during a 1972 doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves, a feat that hasn’t been done since and had only previously been achieved by Stan Musial.
Following the 1974 season, Colbert was traded from the Padres to the Detroit Tigers. He later played for the Montreal Expos and Oakland Athletics.
Colbert’s 163 home runs with San Diego remains a franchise record, something that team chairman Peter Seidler mentioned in his tribute to Colbert, which the team posted to Twitter.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Padres Hall of Famer Nate Colbert. Our hearts go out to his wife Kasey, and the entire Colbert Family at this very difficult time. An original member of the Padres in 1969, Nate was a trailblazer in the San Diego sports community. He was a three-time National League All-Star in brown and gold and became the Padres all-time home run king (163), a record that still stands today. Nate was devoted to his community off the field as well, dedicating his time to disadvantaged youth through his ministry. He was a magnetic person who will be dearly missed.”
Others in the baseball world paid tribute to Colbert, as well.
“Nate Colbert last played for the Padres in 1974 and died as the club’s all-time HR leader. What a legend,” Darren Smith, a host on 760 AM in San Diego tweeted.
“My dad would talk about Colbert’s amazing Doubleheader performance against the Braves. Rest in Peace Sir,” said Padres fan Sergio M Quintero.
“Nate Colbert’s 5-HR, 13-RBI doubleheader in 1972 will forever be seared into my memory thanks to Topps,” added Eric Stephen, who covers the Los Angeles Dodgers for truebluela.com.
Night Owl Cards also paid tribute, tweeting a pair of his cards and saying, “Farewell, Nate Colbert, one of the greatest smiles on baseball cards. #RIP,”
“RIP Nate Colbert. San Diego Padres LEGEND,” Devine Sports Gospel tweeted.
Farewell, Nate Colbert, one of the greatest smiles on baseball cards. #RIP pic.twitter.com/jIo1D5DNDS
— Night Owl Cards (@nightowlcards) January 6, 2023
[San Diego Padres on Twitter]
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