Eddie Padilla

Edward Ruben Padilla

(Eddie) “COACH”

August 26, 1964 – June 16, 2021

Eddie "Coach" Padilla, 57, passed away on June 16, 2021. Eddie was Born in Las Vegas, New Mexico August 26, 1964. to Larry and Isabel Padilla.

Eddie is preceded in death by his parents Larry and Isabel Padilla, his grandparents Thomas and Annie Vigil, his brother Carl Eric Padilla, Eddies wife, Cheryl, and good friend Carrie Johnson.

Eddie is survived by his son Michael (April Abeyta), brothers, Ken and wife Sandi, Larry and wife Kathi, Mario and wife Faye, In-laws Steve, and Alexis Scott. He is also survived by many aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends.

Eddie grew up in Santa Fe New Mexico with four brothers.  He displayed a talent for baseball at a young age and his brothers were there to lend a hand teaching him the fundamentals of the game.

Eddie Graduated from Santa Fe High School and attended colleges with emphasis on baseball in Kansas, Texas and New Mexico. During summer breaks he would play baseball and coach with the local organizations in Santa Fe and Albuquerque.

Eddie was named Fast Eddie while attending college in Kansas.  Eddie took that name within his career as he was considered one of the fastest base runners in the game. 

Eddie went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Education.

Eddie joined the Army and served in the National Guard, when discharged he enrolled at Highlands University in Las Vegas New Mexico and received a master’s degree in education. He was employed by the Santa Fe public schools and worked in the special needs program.

Eddie married Cheryl Beacham of Santa Fe and had a wonderful loving son Mikey who was an instant celebrity in the Santa Fe baseball community.

Eddie was one of the best baseball players, umpires, coach, and teacher. He knew the strategies and fundamentals of the game which made him a great baseball player. He hustled and played hard and was rewarded with just playing the game.

Eddie took these skills to a higher level and became a certified baseball umpire. He loved the game so much that he dedicated much of his time organizing, participating, and mentoring various sports programs in Santa Fe and northern New Mexico.  

As a coach he never gave up on discouraged players. He worked with many encouraged and motivated the players to do their best, because that is what he did.  So many people have conveyed to the family the respect they have for him because of this.

Eddie was a good listener, and this took him to a career in teaching. He took advantage of his skills and became an educator in the classroom and in the baseball field.  Eddie gave all students the same attention and respect and treated his players on the baseball field the same.

Eddie always gave his best effort to develop future leaders in sports and academics. He dedicated his time keeping the youth interested in life and in the game.

Eddie was involved in the Boys Club of Santa Fe.  For many years he was an icon at the club. Attending the boys club gave him the experience and character which helped him develop into adult hood, as it does for many youths. 

The family is heartbroken.  Eddie was a wonderful person, a kind and generous soul. Eddie will be greatly missed. 

Eddie it is time to hang up your cleats and retire your jersey.

Say hello to Dad, Mom, Carl, Cheryl and Carrie in heaven.

Pallbearers

Kenneth Long                         Larry Padilla Jr.

Mario Padilla                         David Crawford

Isaiah Padilla                          David Vigil

Honorary Pallbearers:

Mike Esquibel                        Cecil Chavez

Pat Soveranez                        William Trujillo

Jeff Quintana                         Jo Jo Padilla

Rick Jaramillo                         Polito Martinez

Services for Eddie:

Rosary:

Tuesday August 3, 2021, at the “KIVA”, Rivera’s Funeral Home

417 East Rodeo Rd. Santa Fe, NM 87505 @ 7:00p.m.

Funeral:

Wednesday August 4, 2021, at Santa Maria de la Paz church

11 College Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87508 @ 10a.m.

Eddie would have asked to please donate to the local AABC baseball program in lieu of flowers.