Former A’s shortstop Rob Picciolo, one of baseball’s most universally liked people during a playing and coaching career spanning 33 years, died Monday of a heart attack. He was 64.
Picciolo had a previous heart issue, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. He had undergone a surgical procedure in 2004 for an aneurysm in the descending aorta from his heart.
Affectionately called “Peach,” his last job in the major leagues was as Mike Scioscia’s bench coach with the Angels from 2011-13. Previously, he was the Padres’ longest-tenured coach, spending 20 years with San Diego, including 11 seasons on current Giants manager Bruce Bochy’s staff.