USD-Magazine-Spring-2025

THE JOURNEY HOME FORMER USD STANDOUT CONNOR JOE RETURNS TO SAN DIEGO BASEBALL

As revered American philosopher and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson once famously stated, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” That might be the best way to describe the long and winding road former USD baseball standout Connor Joe has traveled back to his hometown of San Diego — and his beloved San Diego Padres. For the better part of 25 years, baseball has defined Joe’s life path. The game has taught him invaluable lessons in patience and perseverance, both on and off the field. Known for his focus and work ethic, Joe has built a successful athletic career, enabling him to play professional baseball in nearly every corner of the country. Along the way, he’s claimed some of his greatest life achievements — and stared down some of his greatest challenges. Indeed, “the getting there,” as Emerson put it, has meant everything to Joe. And now that his journey has led him back to where it all started, he couldn’t be happier. It’s every baseball kid’s dream to play for their hometown organization, Joe said in an interview with University of San Diego Magazine during spring training. “I remember the first time my parents took me to watch a game at Qualcomm Stadium back in the ’90s. Seeing Tony Gwynn, Ken Caminiti, Steve Finley, all those guys. And now, to get the chance to wear that uniform … it’s just really special.” Growing up in the San Diego suburb of Poway, Joe had the year-round opportunity to try just about every outdoor sport imaginable, but baseball was always his true love. “My parents wanted to expose me to all kinds of sports, but baseball was just different,” he recalled. “With the other sports, it was a chance to hang out with different groups of friends. But with baseball, I was really passionate about learning every nuance of the game.” That passion — combined with an ample supply of natural talent and intelligence — eventually led him to the University of San Diego, where he starred for the Toreros from 2012-14 under Rich Hill, who was head coach at the time. Joe’s impressive skill set as both a player and leader were evident from day one, according to his former Torero skipper. “Connor has a presence about him,” Hill said. “He’s extremely talented but he also is a real student of the game and makes

every effort to make the guys he plays with better. That’s not something you teach; that’s just something you have.” In 2014, Joe was drafted 39th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Competitive Balance Round A of the MLB draft. It was the start of what would be a twisting and turning path to the big leagues. Over the next several years, he bounced between multiple organizations, including the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants, with each stop offering its own challenges and learning experiences. “I think I learned so much about myself during those years coming up to the big leagues,” Joe said. “I learned that preparation starts with what you do from the minute you wake up in the morning — attention to detail, developing consistent patterns and habits, and being a professional in every sense of the word.” The Padres signed Joe to a one-year free agent contract in the offseason. He began the regular season with the club’s Triple-A affiliate and was recalled to the Padres on April 14. Known for his disciplined plate approach and defensive flexibility — he can play first base, third base and the corner outfield spots — Joe’s skill set aligns well with the Padres’ emphasis on quality at-bats and versatility. Joe has always believed strongly that everything happens for a reason. It’s a sentiment he conveyed this spring prior to his move to the Chihuahuas. “My journey has led me to sign with the San Diego Padres,” Joe said. “It’s a journey I’m grateful for, and I’m not going to take anything for granted. I think I have skills that align well with some of their needs, and I’m just looking forward to helping the club however I can.” For the USD community, Joe’s return to his hometown organization is a source of pride. His journey from Torero standout to major leaguer — overcoming obstacles every step of the way — embodies the values of perseverance and dedication that the university holds dear. He remains connected to his alma mater, often crediting his time at USD for shaping him both as a player and a person. “My time at USD was so impactful for so many reasons,” Joe said. “I met my wife there and have some of my happiest memories there. This is the kind of stuff you dream about, and I’m living it.” — Mike Sauer

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