Picciolo is probably best remembered for his 16-year stretch on the San Diego Padres' coaching staff under several different managers from 1990 to 2005. He was part of the 1998 Padre team which won the NL pennant. Picciolo later spent four seasons on Mike Scioscia's coaching staff with the Los Angeles Angels.
But I remember him best as the classic good field, no hit shortstop for the Oakland A's in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Picciolo was drafted thrice by the San Francisco Giants, Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers before signing with the A's as their number one draft pick in 1975. When he reached the majors in 1977, the A's were a shadow of their former selves and would lose 90 or more games in each of their first three seasons including their 54-108 campaign in 1979.
But Picciolo got to see his share of winning in his career once the A's hired Billy Martin as their manager. He would be part of the Billy Ball teams in 1980 and 1981 reaching the post-season in the latter season. The A's would collapse in 1982, but he would be traded to the Milwaukee Brewers early that season in a deal that included pitcher Mike Warren who would throw a no-hitter late the following year. It is easy to forget Picciolo was a member of Harvey's Wallbangers. He had the unenviable task of being the back up to Robin Yount who was that year's AL MVP and appeared in only 22 games and none in the post-season.
After spending one more season in Milwaukee, Picciolo had a stint with the Angels in 1984 before returning to Oakland to finish his playing career in 1985. Sabermetricians would have hated Picciolo. In 1720 career plate appearances, Picciolo walked only 25 times. That's once every 68.9 plate appearances. In 731 big league games over nine seasons, Picciolo hit .234 with 17 HR and drove in 109 runs.
Affectionately known as Peach, Picciolo would find his calling as a coach and mentor to young players. Rob Picciolo might have not become a star but he helped make a few shine. R.I.P.
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