Former Padres All-Star Chris Cannizzaro Dies at Age 78

Former San Diego Padres catcher Chris Cannizzaro—who was the organization's first All-Star in the 1969 season—died Thursday night, according to Kirk Kenney of the San Diego Union-Tribune.

He had lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

"He taught me a lot about pitching and how to be a professional baseball player," pitcher Randy Jones, Cannizzaro's former teammate, told Kenney. "He was hard-nosed, old-school. He fit me perfectly, to tell you the truth."

Jones added:

He wasn’t afraid to take charge. Like young (pitchers) could be stubborn, might say, ‘My curveball’s my best pitch.’ He’d say, ‘Well, you better learn how to use the fastball.’ Chris Cannizzaro would make you…