By Dick Sparrer
Ken Caminiti had quite a year for the San Diego Padres.
And don't think it went unnoticed.
The other clubs in the National League West certainly noticed. How could they help it? Caminiti hit a career-high .302, pounded 26 homers and drove in 94 runs, also career bests.
And the Santa Clara Valley Hot Stove Banquet awards committee noticed, too. The committee members picked Caminiti their player of the year for 1995.
Caminiti will top the list of award winners at the 12th annual Hot Stove Banquet on Feb. 5 at Lou's Village, 1465 W. San Carlos St. in San Jose.
There are eight honorees in all, and they share two things in common-- baseball success and a connection to the greater San Jose area.
Joining Caminiti on the awards list are Mark Langston of the California Angels, pitcher of the year; Kyle Peterson of Stanford, college player of the year; John Schmitz of the College of San Mateo, community college player of the year; Mike Zirelli of St. Francis, high school player of the year; Ed Giovanola of the Richmond Braves, minor league player of the year; Dick Hager of the Houston Astros, scout of the year; Frank Volpi, service award winner; and Brian Carmody, a former Mitty player who is the recipient of the Loyd Christopher Award.
Tickets for the night's event are priced at $33, and festivities will begin with no-host cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. The awards presentation begins at 8 p.m. with John Shrader of the KNBR radio sports team serving as master of ceremonies.
Proceeds from the banquet benefit youth baseball programs in the area. For more information or reservations call 864-8746 or 741-1111, ext. 144.
Caminiti is the night's headliner. The Padres third sacker got his baseball start in this area. He was a high school star at Leigh before going on to play at San Jose City College and San Jose State University.
He signed with the Houston Astros, and was the starting third baseman there for many years before moving on to the Padres.
Caminiti is a three-timer winner of the Hot Stove award.
Langston wins the pitcher of the year award for the second time. The California Angels star played locally at Buchser and San Jose State University before heading to the professional ranks.
The southpaw posted a solid 15-7 record with the Halos last season, posting a 4.63 earned run average. The four-time American League all-star also won his seventh Golden Glove award.
Giavanola will be wearing a World Series ring when he accepts his minor league player of the year award. The former Bellarmine and Santa Clara University star played for the Richmond Braves most of last season, but was promoted to Atlanta in time to play for the Braves in the Series.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, January 31, 1996.
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