Kevin Towers — American Major League Baseball executive

Early life and front-office rise

Towers was born in Medford, Oregon. He entered professional baseball through scouting and player-development roles, progressing from regional talent evaluation to senior positions in a club's front office. His background gave him a reputation as a hands-on executive who balanced amateur scouting with the acquisition of major-league talent.

General manager tenures and achievements

Named general manager of the Padres in the mid-1990s, Towers led a front office that assembled competitive rosters through drafts, trades and international signings. Under his management the Padres reached the World Series in the late 1990s, a high point that reflected his long-term roster construction. He later served as GM of the Diamondbacks, where he continued to prioritize pitching staffs and scouting infrastructure.

Management style and reputation

Towers was widely viewed as a pragmatic executive: he valued durable starting pitching, sought depth through scouting, and was not averse to aggressive trades. Colleagues and media often described him as direct and straightforward; he combined a willingness to make bold roster moves with an eye for young talent. His decisions influenced how some clubs mixed veteran acquisitions with homegrown players.

Legacy and later years

After his time as a general manager, Towers remained involved in baseball through advisory, scouting and consultative roles for several organizations. He is remembered for shaping playoff contenders and for mentoring scouts and front-office staff who went on to other leadership roles.

Death and remembrance

Towers died on January 30, 2018, in San Diego, California, after a battle with thyroid cancer. His passing prompted tributes from players, colleagues and teams who noted his competitiveness, his influence on roster building, and his long service to the game.