LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. — Chris Paddack arrives at the ballpark most days in starched jeans, cowboy boots and a hat. He may play for the Lake Elsinore Storm, a Padres affiliate based in a bedroom community 65 miles north of Petco Park, but he grew up frequenting a cattle farm run by his late grandfather. Home is never far from his mind.



“I just try and represent Texas the best way I can,” Paddack said.



On days he pitches, Paddack demonstrates the unique scope of his fashion sense. The 22-year-old right-hander may be the only player in professional baseball who dons a full suit five times a month. Only four weeks ago, he strode into Lake Elsinore’s clubhouse in all-black formal attire. Black boots and a black cowboy hat completed a look rarely seen at any level of the sport, much less High A.



In jest, someone asked Paddack if he had dressed for a funeral.



“I think the answer was, ‘Yeah, it’s their...