Padres statements on Darrel Akerfelds

"The San Diego Padres are deeply saddened by the loss of Bullpen Coach Darrel Akerfelds," said Padres Manager Bud Black. "Ak was an invaluable member of the Padres coaching staff. He brought a tireless work ethic and compassion for baseball to the ballpark every day. He was a loyal Padre to the end.  Players and coaches were made better by Ak.  He will be sorely missed, and what he brought to this organization will never be forgotten.”

“In my brief time overlapping with Ak, I was amazed at the universal love and respect for him within this organization,” said Padres Executive Vice President/General Manager Josh Byrnes. “His passion, toughness and knowledge will leave an important legacy for the Padres. Throughout the organization, he will be missed.”

“Ak was as much a Padre as anyone who ever wore the uniform, spending 16 years in the organization,” said Padres President and COO Tom Garfinkel. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the many people who were lucky enough to know him.”