Of the six former Padres players born on January 8, brand-new 42-year-old Mike Cameron played the most games with the team. His 292 games in 2006 and 2007 edge out the 267 games played by Randy Ready from late-1986 through mid-'89.
Cameron was acquired from the Mets on November 18, 2005 in an even-up swap for Xavier Nady. He had hit 30 home runs as recently as 2004, but questions lingered as to how he'd bounce back following an August 11 outfield collision that literally shattered his face, hospitalizing him for a week and ending his season. This happened at, of all places, Petco Park. When the trade to San Diego went down, that fact was not lost on Cameron.
"Maybe it's a test from a higher power, to be able to come back and play in the same place," Cameron said. "I was thinking the other day, 'Man, I'm going to the same place.' I guess the good Lord wants me to get rid of my fears right away. I'll be all right."
And he was alright. Cameron turned in one of his best overall seasons in 2006, winning his third Gold Glove, tying his career-high of 34 doubles, receiving MVP votes for the second time, and recording his fifth 20 homer/ 20 steal season. It was the only 20/20 season by a Padres player between 2001 and 2013. He probably would have had another such season in 2007, but Milton Bradley stepped on his hand (in the outfield... at Petco Park) with about a week left in the season, leaving him stuck at 18 stolen bases.
After the 2007 wrapped up, Cameron kicked off his winter of free agency by getting popped with a 25-game amphetamine suspension. Milwaukee signed him to a two-year deal nonetheless, and he did well there both seasons. From there it was to Boston; he saw action in only 81 games with the Red Sox over the next year and a half, then went to the Marlins for his final 45 major league games. Cameron signed with the Nationals before the 2012 season, but retired as spring training began.