In 2012 when A.J. Preller was inducted into the South Huntington Hall of Fame, he spoke of the importance of the diverse multicultural community. As the assistant general manager and head of scouting and player development for the Texas Rangers, A.J. quickly built a reputation as an international expert, especially in Latin America.

Crediting his days at Walt Whitman for giving him a well-rounded view and acceptance of diversity, A.J. Preller has just reached professional baseball’s business pinnacle.  He was just hired as the general manager of the San Diego Padres.

Club president Mike Dee and owners Ron Fowler and Pete Seidler accompanied A.J. into the Padres clubhouse, introducing him to the coaching staff and players. “This is a guy that eats, sleeps, and breathes baseball, and baseball at every level,” Dee said to ESPN’s Calvin Watkins. “Preller was the difference maker among the candidates when it came to deciding who would be best at bringing impact talent, championship-level talent, to the organization.”

A.J. has been described by those who work with him as the best in the business at what he does. His accomplishments are the result of his determination, work ethic, and drive–characteristics he developed while he was a student at Walt Whitman High School.