Padres president and CEO Bob Vizas made the announcement and said that Winfield's responsibilities will include front office and on-field business, the review of existing practices, baseball operations, marketing, the new ballpark, player development, community relations and diversity issues.

"We look forward to Dave's contributions in many different areas of Padres operations including corporate marketing, baseball operations and community relations," Vizas said. "With his extensive backround in both the baseball and business worlds, he brings a unique perspective to the organization."

One of only seven players to collect 3,000 hits and 400 home runs, Winfield was inducted on August 4, 2001 with former Minnesota Twins teammate Kirby Puckett.

"The Padres have graciously welcomed me back into the family since my retirement," Winfield said. "Over the last five years I have gotten to know (Padres chairman) John Moores and other members of the front office. They have welcomed my input and consistently made it clear to me that the doors are open for me to devote my time and energy to the club. Baseball is still very much in my blood and I'm honored to be asked to increase my role."

Winfield, who never played in the minor leagues and was drafted by teams in four professional sports leagues, spent the first eight of his 22 major league seasons with the Padres and retired with 3,110 hits, 465 home runs and 1,833 RBI. He drove in at least 100 runs eight times, including 108 at the age of 41, and was an All-Star every year from 1977-88.