Padres hire Craig Stammen as new skipper despite zero professional managerial experience

Stammen replaces Mike Shildt, who retired in October after two years as manager. 

Shildt led two successful seasons with the Padres, winning 93 and 90 games and making the postseason both years, but he cited burnout and exhaustion when he announced his departure. 

The Padres interviewed MLB great Albert Pujols, former catcher Nick Hundley and longtime pitching coach Ruben Niebla before selecting Stammen. 

"Craig has been a strong presence in our organization for nearly a decade," Padres general manager A.J. Preller said in a statement. 

"He possesses deep organizational knowledge and brings natural leadership qualities to the manager's chair. As both a player and in his post-playing career, Craig has displayed an ability to elevate those around him. His strength of character, competitive nature and talent for bringing people together make him the ideal choice to lead the Padres."

Stammen is the Padres' fifth full-time manager since 2016 and the only skipper in the big leagues who was a former pitcher. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.