Kroc Phones Feeney on Talk Show to Offer Him Extension on Contract

SAN DIEGO — On an afternoon radio call-in show Monday, San Diego Padre owner Joan Kroc phoned guest Chub Feeney and offered the new Padre President a one-year extension on his contract.

Feeney, whose deal expires at the end of this season, laughed and told Kroc he would think about it. Later he admitted, “I’ve revised my timetable and will decide by the end of the season. Right now, I’m leaning toward staying.”

Feeney has been mostly quiet and out of sight since taking over the club presidency from Ballard Smith June 10. His only major move has been announcing that the club will not offer a “big money” contract to Steve Garvey, and, will likely only invite him to spring training on a make-good basis.

Since Feeney’s hiring, both he and Kroc have said they’ll put off any talks until after the season. Monday afternoon changed all that. The Padre front office future is clearly in Feeney’s court. On KSDO’s (1130-AM ) afternoon call-in show, with Padre announcer Jerry Coleman substituting for host Stacy Taylor, here’s how it sounded:

Coleman: “This next call comes from Line 8.”

Kroc: “Hello there.”

Feeney: “Hello Line 8, how are you?”

Kroc: “This is Jubilant Joan.”

Laughter.

Kroc: “Chub, I had to call you. . . . I know that you and I have an arrangement that we’re going to sit down at the end of the year, and see how we both feel. But I wanted to be the first to go public and extend an invitation for you to stay on for a full year. Would you think about that?”

Laughter.

Feeney: “I will give it considerable thought. I will give it more than a little thought.”

Kroc: “Good. This is a public offering.”

Later, Feeney said: “It was fun she called. It’s fun to hear she cares. The best thing about this is, Joan is so happy with the way things are going.”

However, Feeney would still give no firm indication on his decision.

“We’ve worked it out with the finances, I’m not going to hold out or anything,” he said. “If Joan doesn’t change her mind, it’s up to me. We’ll just have to see.”