Padres’ Freeman Signs a Contract Extension

SAN DIEGO — There were times during Dick Freeman’s tenure with the Padres that the past 10 years seemed like an eternity. There have been times where he cringed waking up in the morning, wondering what next would gone wrong.

There also were times when he thought he was going to be fired.

Now, three days shy of his 10th anniversary with the Padres, Freeman was signed Wednesday to a one-year contract extension as Padre president through 1992.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Freeman, who has been president since March 14, 1989. “Obviously, you have some concern when new people come in, and you hope they have confidence in you that you can the job. It’s very satisfying that they have.”

Said Padre chairman Tom Werner: “Dick has contributed enormously in providing strong leadership for the club, especially during the change of ownership last year. My fellow owners and I continue to have full confidence in him.”

Freeman, an Iowa graduate, joined the club as chief financial officer in 1981, helping the Padres turn a profit, according to sources, in seven of the past eight years. He became vice president of administration in 1983, excecutive vice president and chief operating offer in 1986, until being named to his current position.

“There have been some tough times, and times that were, well, interesting,” Freeman said, “but for the most part, these past 10 years have been a very positive experience.

“I’m grateful to continue to be a part of it.”