Thursday, 16 April 2026

Jerry Coleman

Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Commentators 2026
Embed from Getty Images
Sport(s): Baseball
Statistics & Accolades: Ford C. Frick Award
San Diego Padres Hall Of Fame
National Radio Hall of Fame
Known as the “Colonel” as he worked his way up to a Lt. Colonel’s rank through his service during World War II and the Korean War, Jerry Coleman played a small role in four New York Yankees World Series Titles.

Following his playing career, Coleman entered broadcasting, covering Yankees games for seven years, but a move to the West Coast led to a two-year role with the California Angels. His next job would make him immortal in SoCal.

Coleman was hired as the lead radio announcer for the San Diego Padres, a role he held until his passing in 2014 (save for a year in 1980, when he was the Padres’ Manager). Coleman’s witticisms became San Diego lore, where catchphrases “You can hang a star on that one, baby”, “Oh, Doctor”, and “The natives are getting restless” were highlights among fans.

In 2012, Coleman was so beloved that a statue in Petco Park was erected in his honor.

We are proud to nominate Jerry Coleman for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.