Will Venable

Venable was born in 1982 in Greenbrae near San Rafael, California at a time when his father Max Venable was an MLB player for the nearby San Francisco Giants.{{Cite web|title=Will Venable Stats|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/v/venabwi01.shtml|access-date=2021-01-16|website=Baseball-Reference.com}}{{cite web|title=Max Venable|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/v/venabma01.shtml|access-date=November 21, 2008|work=Baseball-Reference.com|publisher=Sports Reference, LLC}} Will grew up traveling around the country with his father and also lived in Japan and the Dominican Republic.{{cite web|author=Estrella, Cicero A.|date=January 30, 1999|title=Prep Athletes Of The Week|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/e/a/1999/01/30/SPORTS7156.dtl|access-date=November 21, 2008|work=San Francisco Chronicle|publisher=Hearst Communications Inc.}}

In high school, Will Venable envisioned himself as more likely to be a professional basketball player than baseball player. Prior to his freshman year, his mother, Molly, objected to him quitting baseball to focus on basketball. As both a high school sophomore and a high school junior, Venable was second-team San Francisco Bay Area All-Metro basketball player for San Rafael High School.{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/e/a/2000/04/02/SPORTS10752.dtl|title=All-Metro Boys|access-date=November 21, 2008|date=April 2, 2000|publisher=Hearst Communications Inc.|work=San Francisco Chronicle}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/e/a/1999/04/04/SPORTS11549.dtl|title=All-Metro Boys|access-date=November 21, 2008|date=April 4, 1999|publisher=Hearst Communications Inc.|work=San Francisco Chronicle}} He was the Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) most valuable player in basketball as a freshman, sophomore and junior.{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/01/12/NB166983.DTL|title=Justin-Siena Shoots for MCAL Crown|access-date=November 21, 2008|date=January 21, 2001|publisher=Hearst Communications Inc.|work=San Francisco Chronicle|author=Navalta, Chris}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/e/a/2000/02/26/SPORTS15181.dtl|title=HIGH-FLYING HAWKDefares takes charge as Hawks claim title against San Rafael|access-date=November 21, 2008|date=January 21, 2001|publisher=Hearst Communications Inc.|work=San Francisco Chronicle|author=Estrella, Cicero A.}} As a sophomore, he led his team to the MCAL League Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/e/a/2000/01/04/SPORTS5036.dtl|title=No, they're not football polls; basketball has familiar leaders|access-date=November 21, 2008|date=January 4, 2000|publisher=Hearst Communications Inc.|work=San Francisco Chronicle|author=Estrella, Cicero A.}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/e/a/1999/02/23/SPORTS4275.dtl|title=St. Ignatius may not be best, but it can sure play the role|access-date=November 21, 2008|date=February 23, 1999|publisher=Hearst Communications Inc.|work=San Francisco Chronicle|author=Harris, Merva}} As a senior, he gave up the responsibility of being point forward.{{cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/04/08/SP116954.DTL|title=Plenty of Talent Throughout Bay|access-date=November 21, 2008|date=April 8, 2001|publisher=Hearst Communications Inc.|work=San Francisco Chronicle|author=Estrella, Cicero A.}}

Venable chose to attend Princeton University, not for its academics, but for its tradition of basketball excellence. He respected their tradition of qualifying to participate in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship Tournament. During his collegiate career, he was a part of teams that qualified for two postseason tournaments, the 2002 National Invitation Tournament and the 2004 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament. Princeton recruited him as a basketball player. He did not play baseball as a freshman, but his father had directed him to Scott Bradley, Princeton's baseball coach, during his recruiting visit.

Venable was the second athlete in Ivy League history to be first-team All-Ivy in both basketball and baseball, following fellow Princton alum and future San Diego Padres teammate and Texas Rangers co-worker Chris Young. Venable played on Ivy League Champion National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championship tournament participants in both sports.{{cite web|url=http://ivy50.com/blackHistory/story.aspx?sid=12/18/2006|title=Will Venable|access-date=November 20, 2008|author=Eschenbach, Stephen}} He played in two postseason tournaments in both sports and earned a B.A. in anthropology, graduating in 2005.

In basketball, he averaged over 10 points and over 30 minutes per game in his 2002–03 sophomore season through his 2004–05 senior season.{{cite web |title=Will Venable - College Basketball |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/will-venable-1.html |access-date=November 5, 2013 |publisher=Sports-Reference.com}}

Bradley had left the door open for Venable to come take batting practice if he ever had the urge. As a sophomore, at the suggestion of his mother, Venable resumed baseball. He posted modest numbers in his first season, but in 2004, he hit for a .344 batting average, earned All-Ivy honorable mention, and was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 15th round of the draft (439th overall).{{cite web|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/V/Will-Venable.shtml|title=Will Venable, Major Leaguer 2008–2008|access-date=November 21, 2008|publisher=thebaseballcube.com}} Bradley felt that Major League Baseball scouts undervalued Venable because he did not participate in the Cape Cod League for college baseball players. Thus, instead of signing and giving up his amateur status, Venable returned for his senior season and posted a league leading 9 home runs and second-best .385 batting average while earning All-League honors.{{cite web|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/leagues/2005/Ivy.shtml|title=2005 College Baseball, Year in Review: Ivy League|access-date=November 20, 2008|publisher=thebaseballcube.com}} Subsequently, the Padres drafted him in the seventh round (215th overall). He was signed by the Padres' Northeast Scouting Director, Jim Bretz.{{cite news|last1=Eddy |first1=Matt |title=San Diego Padres: Top 10 Prospects Scouting Reports |url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2009/267515.html |access-date=June 21, 2014 |work=BaseballAmerica.com |date=January 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140621145944/http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2009/267515.html |archive-date=June 21, 2014 |url-status=dead }}

Venable made his professional debut in minor league baseball with the Arizona League Padres in 2005. He hit for a .322 batting average in 15 games and was soon promoted to the Eugene Emeralds of the Single-A Northwest League.

In 2006, Venable was the Padres Minor League Player of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.towntopics.com/jul1608/sports1.php|title=Former PU Two-Sport Standout Venable A Step Away From Major League Dream|access-date=November 20, 2008|date=July 16, 2008|work=Town Topics|author=Solomon, Jon}} With his father as a team hitting coach, Venable posted a .314 batting average, .389 on-base percentage (OBP), and .477 slugging percentage for the Fort Wayne Wizards of the single-A Midwest League (MWL),{{cite web |title=Will Venable Minors Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=venabl001wil |access-date=November 20, 2008 |work=Baseball-reference.com |publisher=Sports Reference, LLC}} which earned him both mid-season and post-season MWL All-Star honors.{{cite web|url=http://neworleans.scout.com/a.z?s=464&p=8&c=1&nid=3058318|title=Will Venable|access-date=November 20, 2008|publisher=UNOInsider.com and Scout.com|work=Scout.com}}{{cite web|url=http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Will%20Venable&pos=LF&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=461416|title=Will Venable|access-date=November 20, 2008|publisher=Minor League Baseball|work=Minor League Baseball}}{{dead link|date=February 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} He tied for the MWL lead in runs scored and was among the top four Padre farmhands in RBIs, batting average, and stolen bases.{{cite web|url=http://minors.baseball-reference.com/bat_leaders.cgi?yid=2006&lvl=A&lid=MWL&sort=R|title=2006 A Midwest League Batting Leaders for Runs|access-date=November 20, 2008|date=October 30, 2008|publisher=Sports Reference, LLC|work=minors.baseball-reference.com}}{{Dead link|date=November 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web|url=http://minors.baseball-reference.com/affiliates.cgi?yid=2006&aid=SDP|title=San Diego Padres 2006 Minor League Affiliates|access-date=November 20, 2008|date=October 30, 2008|publisher=Sports Reference, LLC|work=minors.baseball-reference.com|archive-date=March 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311000523/http://minors.baseball-reference.com/affiliates.cgi?aid=SDP&yid=2006|url-status=dead}} Among his highlights for the Wizards were his team-high two grand slams and a five-hit game.

Subsequently, for the 2006 West Oahu CaneFires of the Hawaii Winter Baseball, Venable posted a .330 batting average, .390 on-base percentage (OBP), and .473 slugging percentage.{{cite web|url=http://www.hawaiiwinterbaseball.com/statistics/league_leaders/2006|title=Statistics – League Leaders (2006)|access-date=November 20, 2008|publisher=Major League Baseball Advanced Media|archive-date=January 25, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125070006/http://www.hawaiiwinterbaseball.com/statistics/league_leaders/2006|url-status=dead}} He won the batting title that season and was named league most valuable player. He also led the league in doubles and was second to John Otness in OBP. Before the 2007 season, Venable was listed as the fifth best prospect in the Padres organization by Baseball America,{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/features/263366.html|title=Top 10 Prospects: San Diego Padres|access-date=November 20, 2008|publisher=Baseball America Inc.|work=Baseball America|author=Eddy, Matt}} and they named him the #11 prospect in the league. They also named him as a Baseball America Low-A All-Star.

In 2007, Venable batted .278 with a .337 OBP in 134 games for the San Antonio Missions of the Texas League. This again earned him both mid-season and post-season league All-Star honors. On May 30, he hit for the cycle.{{cite web|url=http://www.goprincetontigers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10600&ATCLID=919346|title=Will Venable '05 • San Antonio Missions (AA)|access-date=November 21, 2008|date=July 13, 2007|publisher=Princeton University}} After the season ended, he was invited to play for the San Diego affiliate in the Arizona Fall League,{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/winter-baseball/arizona-fall-league/2007/264750.html|title=2007 Arizona Fall League Rosters|access-date=November 21, 2008|date=August 27, 2007|publisher=Baseball America Inc.|work=Baseball America}} but he was afflicted with tendinitis in his shoulder and only hit .228.

During 2008 spring training, he had two home runs and eight runs batted in his first 12 at-bats.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080308&content_id=2412779&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd|title=Minor League Report: Will Venable: Outfielder's skills impress Padres' manager|access-date=November 20, 2008|date=March 8, 2008|publisher=MLB Advanced Media, L.P.|work=MLB.com|author=Brock, Corey}} He then posted a .292 batting average, .361 on-base percentage and .464 slugging percentage in 120 games for the Portland Beavers of the Pacific Coast League in 2008.

Venable had been expected to be a September 2008 call-up, but when Scott Hairston was forced onto the disabled list, Venable was called up ahead of schedule.{{cite web|url=http://padres.scout.com/2/784421.html|title=Padres to call up Geer, Venable |access-date=November 20, 2008|date=August 29, 2008|publisher=MadFriars.com and Scout.com|work=Madfriars.com|author=Savage, Denis}} On August 29, 2008, in his debut, he tripled in his first at-bat and came around to score a run.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280829125|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129044258/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280829125|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 29, 2023|title=Atkins' 2 homers, 5 RBIs carry Rockies to rout|access-date=November 20, 2008|date=August 29, 2008|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}} He was the 25th Princeton graduate to play in the Major Leagues, the first of them who was African-American.{{cite news|title=Princeton's new Padre|work=Princeton Alumni Weekly|date=November 8, 2008|author=Eschenbach, Stephen}} In his sixth game, he hit his first MLB home run, on September 4 in a 5–2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280904108|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080907221825/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280904108|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 7, 2008|title=Venable's first homer sends Brewers to 4th straight home loss|access-date=November 21, 2008|date=September 4, 2008|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}} His only other home run in 2008 was also in a road victory on September 19, in an 11–6 victory over the Washington Nationals. During this game, Venable had his first three-hit performance and first three-RBI performance.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=280919120|title=Padres 11, Nationals 6|access-date=November 21, 2008|date=September 19, 2008|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/player/gamelog/_/id/29224/will-venable|title=Will Venable #25 CF|access-date=November 21, 2008|date=September 19, 2008|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}} When Venable batted leadoff for the Padres on September 28, against Pittsburgh, he became the first Princeton batter to oppose a Princeton pitcher, Ross Ohlendorf.{{cite web|url=https://paw.princeton.edu/issues/2013/10/23/sections/letters/6027/index.xml|title=Tiger Vs. Tiger|access-date=November 5, 2013|date=October 23, 2013|work=Princeton Alumni Weekly|author=Schulz, Larry}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN200809280.shtml|title=Sunday, September 28, 2008, 1:07PM, PetCo Park: Attendance: 29,191, Time of Game: 3:02 |access-date=November 5, 2013|work=Baseball-reference.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/batter_vs_pitcher.cgi?batter=venabwi01&pitcher=ohlenro01#gotresults&batter=venabwi01&pitcher=ohlenro01&min_year_game=2008&max_year_game=2013&post=1&ajax=1&submitter=1|title=Will Venable vs. Ross Ohlendorf|access-date=November 5, 2013|work=Baseball-reference.com}} In 2008, Venable accumulated only 110 Major League at-bats, preserving his rookie eligibility.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/about_mlb/rules_regulations.jsp|title=MLB Miscellany: Rules, regulations and statistics|access-date=November 20, 2008|publisher=MLB Advanced Media, L.P.}} He only played centerfield for the Padres in 2008. After the MLB season, he played winter baseball in the Dominican Professional Baseball League, where he struggled.{{cite web|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2009/aug/10/n7393520218-venable-has-been-remarkably-quick-stud/|title=Venable has been a quick study: Young outfielder applying what he learned as an Ivy Leaguer at Princeton|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=August 10, 2009|work=The San Diego Union-Tribune|author=Jenkins, Chris}}

Although in 2008 Baseball America projected Venable as an every day starter for the Padres in 2010, some experts questioned whether he would be a long-term solution in center field for the team.{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=23295|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720145554/http://sports.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=23295|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 20, 2012|title=Chat with Baseball America's Jim Callis |access-date=November 20, 2008|year=2008|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}} Venable started the 2009 season with the Triple-A Portland Beavers,{{cite web|url=http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=p_pbp&did=milb&pid=461416|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527045318/http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=p_pbp&did=milb&pid=461416|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 27, 2011|title=Statistics – Will Venable |access-date=April 11, 2009|publisher=Minor League Baseball}} but he was recalled by the Padres on June 3.{{cite web|url=http://www.portlandbeavers.com/news/press/index.html?article_id=1482|title=Padres recall outfielder Will Venable |access-date=July 3, 2009|date=June 3, 2009|work=The Official Website of the Portland Beavers}} His father, Max, served as the Beavers' hitting coach in 2009.{{cite web|url=http://51stoday.mlblogs.com/2009/06/03/venerable-venable-makes-51s-pay/|title=Venerable Venable makes 51s pay|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=June 3, 2009|work=51s Today}} Following the July 5 trade of Scott Hairston to the Oakland Athletics, Venable shared right field with Kyle Blanks.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090705&content_id=5720486&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|title=Padres surprise Hairston in trade to A's: San Diego to get three Minor League pitchers in return|access-date=July 12, 2009|date=July 5, 2009|work=MLB.com|author=Brock, Corey}} On July 12 against the San Francisco Giants, he had his first home run of the season in his first career four-hit game.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290712126&teams=san-diego-padres-vs-san-francisco-giants|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129044310/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290712126&teams=san-diego-padres-vs-san-francisco-giants|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 29, 2023|title=Padres break out of slump with season-high 10 runs to batter Giants|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=July 12, 2009|publisher=ESPN}} Between July 30 and August 5, he homered in five of seven games.{{cite web|url=http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090810&content_id=6347262&vkey=news_sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814180522/http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090810&content_id=6347262&vkey=news_sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 14, 2009|title=Mother's advice kept Venable on track: Former hoops star encouraged to stick with baseball|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=August 10, 2009|work=MLB.com}} On August 23 against the St. Louis Cardinals, he was involved in a bench-clearing incident when Albert Pujols thought he threw an elbow while being tagged out.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=4418159|title=Pujols says Venable threw elbow|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=August 24, 2009|publisher=ESPN}}{{cite web|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B06EFD91E3EF937A1575BC0A96F9C8B63|title=Smoltz Strikes Out Seven in a Row In Cardinals Debut|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=August 24, 2009|work=The New York Times}} In 2009, Venable hit 12 home runs and tallied 38 runs batted in (RBI), while primarily playing right field defensively, with some action in center field.

In 2010, he finished 8th in the National League with 7 triples and 9th with 29 stolen bases. He executed some delayed steals by taking off with the toss back to the mound "when neither infielder is covering second and the catcher is nonchalant with the ball after receiving the pitch."{{cite web|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/25/hot-venable-even-has-delayed-steal-down/|title=News|author=Center, Bill|work=The San Diego Union-Tribune|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=April 25, 2010}} On May 19, Venable moved into the leadoff position in the lineup, and he fell a home run shy of the franchise's first cycle against the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 4-for-5 at the plate after getting a triple in the 1st inning and a double in the third.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/print.jsp?ymd=20100520&content_id=10228448&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|title=Venable flirts with Padres' first cycle: Right fielder falls homer shy with 4-for-5 performance|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=May 20, 2010|work=MLB.com|author=Drellich, Evan}} On June 23, 25 and 27, Venable hit tie-breaking home runs in Padre victories against the Florida Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300623130|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303044434/http://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300623130|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 3, 2017|title=Padres use long ball to keep Rays mired in slump|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=June 23, 2010|publisher=ESPN}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300625128&teams=san-diego-padres-vs-florida-marlins|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129044253/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300625128&teams=san-diego-padres-vs-florida-marlins|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 29, 2023|title=Padres spoil Marlins interim manager Rodriguez's home debut|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=June 25, 2010|publisher=ESPN}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300627128&teams=san-diego-padres-vs-florida-marlins|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129044311/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300627128&teams=san-diego-padres-vs-florida-marlins|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 29, 2023|title=Venable's fourth HR in seven games lifts Padres past Marlins|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=June 27, 2010|publisher=ESPN}} On July 3, he went on the 15-day disabled list due to back problems.{{cite web|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/weblogs/padres/2010/jul/03/venable-dl-gonzalez-scratched/|title=Blogs|work=The San Diego Union-Tribune|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=July 3, 2010}} On September 29 against the Chicago Cubs, he robbed two potential home runs, from Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramírez, on deep fly balls.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300929125&teams=chicago-cubs-vs-san-diego-padres|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129044309/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=300929125&teams=chicago-cubs-vs-san-diego-padres|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 29, 2023|title=Chris Young helps Padres blank Cubs to stay 2 back in West race|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=September 29, 2010|publisher=ESPN}} In the game, he achieved his career-high 10-game hitting streak.{{cite web|url=http://local.sandiego.com/sports/good-sports-padres-need-venable-to-hit|title=Good Sports: Padres Need Venable's Bat: Outfielder only bright spot for San Diego offense|author=Hirsch, Troy|publisher=SanDiego.com|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=October 1, 2010}} He also led National League outfielders with 5 errors. He set new career-highs with 13 home runs and 51 RBI. Again, he was primarily a right fielder, also spending some time in left field and center field.

In 2011, Venable started slowly, hitting only .205 in April and was eventually optioned to the Triple-A Tucson Padres on May 23 before being recalled on June 9.{{cite web|url=http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120313&content_id=27238892&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407073717/http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120313&content_id=27238892&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 7, 2014|title=Venable working to eliminate self-doubt: Promising outfielder adjusting plate mechanics, psyche|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=March 13, 2012|work=MLB.com|author=Brock, Corey}} At the time of his demotion, he had no home runs and a .224 batting average in 134 at-bats.{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/2011-05-23-1996310327_x.htm|title=Padres demote leadoff batter Venable to Triple-A|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=May 23, 2011|work=USA Today|author=Wilson, Bernie}} He was recalled after going 16-for-58 with 3 doubles, 3 triples, 3 home runs and 3 stolen bases in 14 games.{{cite web|url=http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110609&content_id=20263098&vkey=pr_sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616222346/http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20110609&content_id=20263098&vkey=pr_sd&fext=.jsp&c_id=sd|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 16, 2011|title=Padres select INF Anthony Rizzo and recall OF Will Venable from Triple-A Tucson|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=June 9, 2011|work=MLB.com}} In a minor league game on May 27, he homered twice against the Salt Lake Bees.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-19674114|title=Padres Roll to 11–1 Win Over Bees|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=May 28, 2011|work=MLB.com}} On July 20, Venable scored 3 runs in the first two innings as the Padres jumped out to a 13–0 lead against the Florida Marlins.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310720128|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129044308/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310720128|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 29, 2023|title=Padres use nine-run second inning to chase Ricky Nolasco, beat Marlins|access-date=June 5, 2012|date=July 20, 2011|publisher=ESPN}} In late July, he missed a few games due to back spasms.{{cite web|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2011/aug/01/daily-update-outfield-shortage-notes-minors/|title=Daily Update: Outfield shortage, notes, minors|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=August 1, 2011|author=Center, Bill|work=The San Diego Union-Tribune}} On August 10 against the New York Mets, Venable had four hits, again missing the cycle by a home run when he posted a second double in a ninth inning at bat.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playbyplay?gameId=310810121|title=Padres 9 (52–66, 29–30 away); Mets 5 (58–58, 25–31 home) (play-by-play)|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=August 10, 2011|publisher=ESPN}} On August 21, Veneble delivered a leadoff home run and the game-winning bases-loaded walk-off hit on Trevor Hoffman Day.{{cite web|url=http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_08_21_flomlb_sdnmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=sd|title=Venable delivers walk-off as Padres sweep|access-date=June 5, 2012|date=August 21, 2011|work=MLB.com|author=Singer, Tom}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} On September 28, he got his first grand slam home run against the Chicago Cubs off of Ryan Dempster.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310928125&teams=chicago-cubs-vs-san-diego-padres|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129044254/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=310928125&teams=chicago-cubs-vs-san-diego-padres|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 29, 2023|title=Will Venable's slam helps Padres dump Cubs in finale|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=September 28, 2011|publisher=ESPN}} For the season, his totals dropped to 9 home runs and 44 RBI with the Padres, and he again totaled 7 triples, this time finishing 10th in the league. He again played mostly in right field.

In 2012, Venable and Chris Denorfia formed a platoon in right field, with Venable getting most of the starts against right-handed pitchers and batting .270 against them.{{cite news|last=Center|first=Bill|title=Denorfia-Venable form potent platoon in right|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/11/denorfia-venable-form-potent-platoon-right/|access-date=December 17, 2012|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|date=September 11, 2012}} Venable made 80 starts in right, appearing in a then-career-high 148 games for the year. When not starting in right, he made occasional starts in center and left field and pinch hit 26 time. On May 15, Venable had a single, double and triple by the fourth inning against the Washington Nationals, but his 4-hit effort again fell short of the cycle.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_05_15_sdnmlb_wasmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=sd|title=Bass bests Strasburg as Friars take DC finale: Righty allows one run over eight; Venable finishes HR shy of cycle|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=May 15, 2012|work=MLB.com|author=Brock, Corey}} On May 23, Venable had his sixth career leadoff home run and added a single in the second inning and a double in the fourth against the St. Louis Cardinals. He ended up one hit shy of the cycle for the fifth time, this time lacking a triple.{{cite web|url=http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2012_05_23_sdnmlb_slnmlb_1&mode=recap&c_id=sd|title=Padres strike early, but can't hold off Cards|access-date=June 5, 2012|date=May 24, 2012|work=MLB.com|author=Overbey, Steve}}{{dead link|date=October 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} On June 3, Venable suffered a strained oblique muscle and left the game,{{cite web|url=http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120603&content_id=32720040¬ebook_id=32733128&vkey=notebook_sd&c_id=sd|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407075236/http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120603&content_id=32720040¬ebook_id=32733128&vkey=notebook_sd&c_id=sd|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 7, 2014|title=Venable exits early with strained oblique|access-date=June 4, 2012|date=June 3, 2012|work=MLB.com|author=Brock, Corey}} missing four more games with the injury. Venable finished the year batting .264 with 9 home runs and 45 RBI. He collected 8 triples, finishing 9th in the league, and also committed 7 errors, tied for first among NL outfielders.

File:Will Venable 2013 Padres MVP.JPG

Coming into 2013, Venable was again expected to platoon with Denorfia in right, but injuries to center fielder Cameron Maybin and left fielder Carlos Quentin expanded his playing time.{{cite web|last=Center|first=Bill|title=Venable is Padres' MVP|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/Nov/08/tp-venable-is-padres-mvp/|publisher=UTSanDiego.com|access-date=November 17, 2013|date=November 8, 2013}} He made 68 starts in right and 52 in center and played in a career-high 151 games. Venable entered the season with 401 career hits, 48 shy of Moe Berg's record for the most hits by a Princeton player. Venable's 46 home runs were already a school best.{{cite web|url=http://blogs.princeton.edu/paw/2013/04/tiger_of_the_we_151.html#.UnlcehD9z0k|title=Tiger of the Week: Will Venable '05|access-date=November 5, 2013|date=April 10, 2013|work=Princeton University|author=Tomlinson, Brett}} Venable won the National League Player of the Week Award for the week of August 12–18. During the week, Venable tied his single-game career high with 4 hits, joined the Padres' 100-steal club, hit a walk-off home run, made a home run stealing catch and surpassed his previous career best hitting streak by 5 to 15. It marked his first Player of the Week Award, as he hit .406 (13-for-32) with two home runs, two doubles, a triple and seven runs scored.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130819&content_id=57514658&vkey=pr_mlb&c_id=mlb|title=Will Venable of the San Diego Padres named National League Player of the Week|access-date=August 25, 2013|date=August 19, 2013|work=MLB.com}}{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130819&content_id=57513456&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb|title=Amid hit streak, Venable named NL Player of Week|access-date=August 25, 2013|date=August 19, 2013|work=MLB.com|author=Casella, Paul}} On September 13, David Hale, who graduated from Princeton in 2011, made his major league debut for the Atlanta Braves, and it became the second Princeton vs. Princeton batter-pitcher matchup in major league history. Hale struck out Venable and eight other Padres in his debut for the Braves, setting a franchise debut record.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ATL/ATL201309130.shtml|title=Friday, September 13, 2013, 7:30 pm, Turner Field: Attendance: 34,112, Time of Game: 3:00 |access-date=November 5, 2013|work=Baseball-reference.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/batter_vs_pitcher.cgi?batter=venabwi01&pitcher=haleda02#gotresults&batter=venabwi01&pitcher=haleda02&min_year_game=2013&max_year_game=2013&post=1&ajax=1&submitter=1|title=Will Venable vs. David Hale|access-date=November 5, 2013|work=Baseball-reference.com}} Venable was voted the Padres' Most Valuable Player for the 2013 season by local baseball writers and other media members as he became the 8th player in Padres history to record at least 20 home runs and 20 steals in a season. For the year, Venable hit .268 with 22 home runs and a .796 on-base plus slugging, all new career highs. He also stole 22 bases and finished tied for fifth in the league with 8 triples.

On September 2, 2013, Venable signed a two-year contract extension with the Padres to keep him in San Diego through the 2015 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/9630461/will-venable-san-diego-padres-signs-two-year-contract-extension-2015|title=Will Venable signs 2-year extension|access-date=September 7, 2013|date=September 3, 2013|publisher=ESPN}} Venable batted .224 with eight home runs in the 2014 season. His batting average, .288 on-base percentage, .325 slugging percentage, and 38 RBIs were all career lows for a full season.{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/feb/07/padres-analysis-outfielder-will-venable/|title=Analysis: Will Venable's regression|first=Jeff|last=Sanders|work=The San Diego Union-Tribune|date=February 7, 2015|access-date=August 20, 2015}} During the 2014–15 offseason, the Padres acquired outfielders Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, and Wil Myers, shifting Venable into a reserve role.{{cite web|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/12/san-diego-padres-justin-upton-matt-kemp-wil-myers-too-many-cooks-mlb|title=After trade for Justin Upton, the Padres have way too many outfielders|work=For The Win|date=December 19, 2014 |access-date=August 20, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/san-diego/story/venable-s-big-hit-helps-padres-beat-diamondbacks-6-5-050915|title=Will Venable's big hit helps San Diego Padres beat Arizona Diamondbacks 6–5|author=Fox Sports|work=FOX Sports|access-date=August 20, 2015}} For the Padres in 2015, Venable hit .258 with six home runs, 10 doubles, and 11 stolen bases through mid-August.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25273862/rangers-acquire-will-venable-from-padres|title=Rangers acquire Will Venable from Padres in trade|work=CBSSports.com|access-date=August 20, 2015}}

On August 18, 2015, the Padres traded Venable to the Texas Rangers for catcher Marcus Greene and a player to be named later. On August 21, the Rangers sent Jon Edwards to the Padres to complete the trade, after Edwards cleared waivers and could be traded.{{cite web |last=Lin |first=Dennis |date=August 20, 2015 |title=RHP Edwards the PTBNL in Venable trade Converted pitcher could be middle-relief option |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/aug/20/jon-edwards-ptbnl-to-padres-venable-rangers-trade/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822131116/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/aug/20/jon-edwards-ptbnl-to-padres-venable-rangers-trade/ |archive-date=August 22, 2015 |access-date=August 21, 2015 |work=San Diego Union-Tribune}} The Rangers needed another outfielder to supplement players like Josh Hamilton, who had dealt with injuries in the past.{{cite web|url=http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2015/08/texas-rangers-add-of-venable.html/|title=Texas Rangers get outfield depth with addition of Will Venable|first=Gerry|last=Fraley|work=Dallas Morning News|date=August 18, 2015|access-date=August 18, 2015}} Venable was not a benefit to the Rangers, batting .182 with three doubles as his only extra base hits in 82 plate appearances.

On February 28, 2016, Venable signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians.{{cite web|url=http://m.indians.mlb.com/news/article/165625678/will-venable-in-indians-uniform-uribe-up-next|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160229100337/http://m.indians.mlb.com/news/article/165625678/will-venable-in-indians-uniform-uribe-up-next|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 29, 2016|title=Venable in Indians uniform; Uribe up next|access-date=2016-03-01|date=2016-02-27|website=MLB.com|author=Bastian, Jordan}}{{cite web|url=http://m.indians.mlb.com/news/article/165528372/indians-outfielder-will-venable-agree-to-deal|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227102911/http://m.indians.mlb.com/news/article/165528372/indians-outfielder-will-venable-agree-to-deal|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 27, 2016|title=Indians sign OF Venable to Minor League deal|access-date=2016-03-01|date=2016-02-26|website=MLB.com|author=Bastian, Jordan}} On March 27, Cleveland released him.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/will-venable-granted-release-sunday/|title=Indians release Will Venable|work=CBS Sports|date=March 27, 2016|access-date=March 28, 2016}} The next day, Venable signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.{{cite web|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/phillies/Source-Phillies-are-interested-in-adding-Will-Venable-to-outfield-mix.html|title=Phillies sign Will Venable, who could win outfield job|last=Gelb|first=Matt|work=philly.com|date=March 28, 2016|access-date=March 28, 2016}} On June 11, Venable opted out of his minor league deal with the Phillies and became a free agent.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.nbcsports.com/2016/06/14/dodgers-sign-will-venable-to-a-one-year-deal/|title=Dodgers sign Will Venable to a one-year deal|access-date=June 15, 2016|date=June 14, 2016|publisher=NBC Sports|author=Baer, Bill}}

On June 14, 2016, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Venable and added him to their major league roster.{{cite web|url=http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/184020880/dodgers-sign-veteran-outfielder-will-venable|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616172730/http://m.dodgers.mlb.com/news/article/184020880/dodgers-sign-veteran-outfielder-will-venable|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 16, 2016|title=Dodgers add vet Venable to bench, option Barnes|work=MLB.com|first=Ken|last=Gurnick|date=June 14, 2016|access-date=June 15, 2016}} He appeared in six games for the Dodgers and had one hit (a double) in 10 at-bats before he was designated for assignment on June 24.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/dodgers-will-venable-designated-for-assignment/|title=Dodgers' Will Venable: Designated for assignment|work=cbssports.com|date=June 24, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2016}} He cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers the next day.{{cite web|url=http://www.truebluela.com/2016/6/25/12031910/will-venable-outright-assignment-dodgers-triple-a|title=Will Venable accepts outright assignment to Triple-A Oklahoma City|work=SB Nation|date=June 25, 2016|access-date=June 25, 2016}} On July 1, the Dodgers brought Venable back to the active roster when Joc Pederson was placed on the disabled list.{{cite web|url=http://www.truebluela.com/2016/7/1/12085818/joc-pederson-disabled-list-dodgers-will-venable-layne-somsen-dfa|title=Joc Pederson placed on DL, Dodgers call up Will Venable|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=July 1, 2016|access-date=July 1, 2016}} On July 7, he was again designated for assignment,{{cite web|url=http://dodgers.mlblogs.com/2016/07/07/dodgers-activate-hyun-jin-ryu-call-up-carlos-frias/|title=Dodgers activate Hyun-Jin Ryu, call up Carlos Frias|work=Dodgers.com|first=Jon|last=Weisman|date=July 7, 2016|access-date=July 7, 2016|archive-date=July 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711102044/http://dodgers.mlblogs.com/2016/07/07/dodgers-activate-hyun-jin-ryu-call-up-carlos-frias/|url-status=dead}} and on July 11, he again accepted an outright assignment to Oklahoma City.{{cite web|url=http://www.truebluela.com/2016/7/14/12170606/will-venable-outright-minors-dodgers-oklahoma-city|title=Will Venable sent outright again to Triple-A Oklahoma City|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=July 14, 2016|access-date=July 15, 2016}} He had one hit in 19 at-bats for Los Angeles and played in 46 games for Oklahoma City, where he hit .276/.343/.404 with four home runs and 25 RBI. Venable elected free agency following the season on November 7.{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2016|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2016/|access-date=August 4, 2024|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 8, 2016 |language=en}}

On September 6, 2017, Venable was named a special assistant to Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein.{{cite web|url=http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/252798732/cubs-hire-will-venable-as-special-assistant/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906221528/http://m.cubs.mlb.com/news/article/252798732/cubs-hire-will-venable-as-special-assistant/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 6, 2017|title=Ex-big leaguer Venable joins Cubs' front office|access-date=September 13, 2017|date=September 6, 2017|website=MLB.com|author=Baer, Jack}} Venable served as the first base coach of the Cubs in 2018 and 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/21506775/will-venable-leaves-front-office-chicago-cubs-first-base-coach|title=Cubs' Will Venable leaves front office to be first-base coach|access-date=November 21, 2017|date=November 21, 2017|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press}} For the 2020 season, he became the Cubs third base coach.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/cubs-finalize-major-league-coaching-staff|title=Andy Green joins Cubs as bench coach|website=MLB.com|date=December 9, 2019|access-date=December 9, 2019}}

On November 20, 2020, the Boston Red Sox named Venable their bench coach.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/redsox/news/will-venable-hired-red-sox-bench-coach |title=Bench coach Venable completes Boston staff |first=Ian |last=Browne |website=MLB.com |date=November 20, 2020 |access-date=November 20, 2020}} On May 29, 2021, Venable managed his first MLB game, filling in for Alex Cora in a game against the Miami Marlins, as Cora was in Puerto Rico to attend the high school graduation of one of his children. The Red Sox won, 3–1.{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/05/29/sports/will-venable-pinch-hits-alex-cora-red-sox-manager-against-marlins/ |title=Will Venable pinch hits for Alex Cora as Red Sox manager against Marlins |first=Peter |last=Abraham |work=The Boston Globe |url-access=limited |date=May 29, 2021 |access-date=May 31, 2021}} On November 16, 2022, Venable was hired by the Texas Rangers to be an associate manager alongside Bruce Bochy.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/TXRangersPR/status/1593008707935571968|title=Texas Rangers PR on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=November 16, 2022}}

On October 31, 2024, the Chicago White Sox hired Venable to be their manager following the firing of Pedro Grifol during their 41–121 season, which broke the MLB record for most losses in a season. Venable replaced interim manager Grady Sizemore.{{cite web|last=Merkin|first=Scott|title=Venable named White Sox manager: 'I'm excited about the challenges'|url=https://www.mlb.com/whitesox/news/will-venable-white-sox-manager|website=MLB.com|date=October 31, 2024|access-date=October 31, 2024}}

• List of second-generation Major League Baseball players

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