Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
San Diego Padres
- 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
- 2005 Season Record: 7-7 as of April 20
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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.
Country western singer Garth Brooks once tried out for the Padres, but was cut in spring training.
Players of note
Baseball Hall of Famers
Current roster (updated on April 19, 2005)
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Pitchers
Catchers
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Infielders
Outfielders
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Disabled List
Manager
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Not to be forgotten
- Roberto Alomar
- Kevin Brown
- Ken Caminiti
- Nate Colbert
- Steve Finley
- Rich Gossage
- Tony Gwynn (retired 2001)
- Randy Jones (Cy Young Award winner, 1976)
- Fred McGriff
- Gary Sheffield
- Ozzie Smith
- Garry Templeton
- David Wells
- Dave Winfield
Retired numbers
- 6 Steve Garvey
- 19 Tony Gwynn
- 31 Dave Winfield
- 35 Randy Jones
- 42 Jackie Robinson (retired throughout baseball)
External link
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