Eric Hosmer Signs With Padres

The San Diego Padres announced on Monday night that they have signed former Storm Chasers infielder Eric Hosmer , ending his nine year career in the Royals organization.

Hosmer will be remembered as an integral part of the Royals core that led to back-to-back World Series appearances, including a World Series Championship in 2015. His mad dash home to score the game-tying run in Game 5 of that year's Fall Classic will never be forgotten by the Kansas City faithful.
Before his time in the Major Leagues, Hosmer spent time in Omaha in 2011, which included playing in the Storm Chasers' inaugural game at Werner Park on April 16, 2011. He also scored the very first run at Werner Park, scoring on a Mike Moustakas double.
Hosmer registered a .438 average (43-98) with five doubles, three homers and 15 RBI in 26 games that year with the Storm Chasers before being promoted to Kansas City. He made his Major League debut with the Royals on May 6, 2011 versus the Oakland Athletics.
The Florida native also spent a brief rehab stint with Omaha in 2014 that included a walk-off single on August 30, 2014, which helped lead the Storm Chasers to their fourth consecutive division title. The team would go on to win their second straight Triple-A National Championship.
Hosmer accumulated a .284 average (1132-3991), 127 homers and 566 RBI in seven seasons with the Royals. He also won four Gold Gloves Awards, in addition to one Silver Slugger honor, and was named to the MLB All-Star team in 2016, where he was also named the game's Most Valuable Player. Hosmer was selected by the Royals with the third overall pick in the 2008 MLB draft.