- For the minor league franchise in the Pacific Coast League, see: San Diego Padres (PCL).
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They are in the Western Division of the National League.
- Founded: 1969 (National League expansion)
- Home ballpark: PETCO Park (2004)
- Former home ballpark: Qualcomm Stadium (formerly Jack Murphy Stadium) (1969-2003)
- Uniform colors: Navy blue, "sand" (khaki), and white
- Logo design: Gold "SAN DIEGO" in small capitals and large, stylized white "Padres" superimposed over an outline of home plate; blue background with wave design in bottom half of home plate.
- Wild Card titles won (0): none
- Division titles won (3): 1984, 1996, 1998
- National League pennants won (2): 1984, 1998
- World Series championships won (0): none
Franchise history
The Padres adopted their name from the Pacific Coast League team which arrived in San Diego in 1936. That minor league franchise won the PCL title in 1937, led by then-18-year-old San Diegan Ted Williams.
In 1969, San Diego joined the ranks of Major League Baseball as one of four new expansion teams. Despite initial excitement and a new playing field at San Diego (now Qualcomm) Stadium, the team struggled, finishing in last place in each of its first six seasons.
In 1974, with the team on the brink of relocating to Washington, D.C., Ray A. Kroc (founder of McDonald's restaurants) purchased the Padres and kept them in San Diego. He died just before he could see his team win their first National League pennant in 1984. His wife, Joan, assumed control of the team until selling it in 1990.
The San Diego Chicken began performing for the team in 1974. Currently, their team mascot is the Swinging Friar.
Despite featuring such notable players as Randy Jones, Dave Winfield, Ozzie Smith, Tony Gwynn, and Trevor Hoffman, the Padres have had limited success, going to the playoffs only three times during their Major League tenure. The team marked its 36th year on a new playing field, PETCO Park, in 2004.
Players of note
Current players
Pitchers
- Miguel Asencio
- Adam Eaton
- Justin Germano
- Chris Hammond
- Trevor Hoffman
- Brian Lawrence
- Scott Linebrink
- Akinori Otsuka
- Jake Peavy
- Dennys Reyes
- Rudy Seanez
- Woody Williams
Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
Not to be forgotten
Retired numbers
Minor league affiliates
- Portland Beavers (AAA, Pacific Coast League)
- Mobile BayBears (AA, Southern League)
- Lake Elsinore Storm (High-A, California League)
- Fort Wayne Wizards (A, Midwest League)
- Eugene Emeralds (A-Short Season, Pioneer League)
- Peoria Padres (Rookie, Arizona League)
External link
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