The San Diego Padres

Why are the called the Padres?

When San Diego was awarded an expansion team in 1969, the club adopted the nickname of the city’s Pacific Coast League team, the Padres. The nickname, which is Spanish for father or priest, was a reference to San Diego’s status as the first Spanish Mission in California.

Why am I excited to see their city?

Another city, another humblebrag from your boy George – been to this town a few times and again, where do I start?

San Diego is a beautifully put together city, with a Spanish underbelly, awesome locals, food and beaches. Seriously, it reminds me of the North Beaches of Sydney meeting the infrastructure of the city, with the undertones of a country town. You simply cannot go wrong… look at it!

What is a tradition at their ballpark?

One cool feature in San Diego’s ballpark is the inclusion in the infrastructure of the old Western Metal Supply Co. building, a hundred-year old brick structure that had been scheduled for demolition to make way for Petco Park, was saved and incorporated into the design of the ballpark.

Who is a famous fan?

Legendary golfer Phil Mickelson is apparently such a big fan that he tried to buy the team when they were for sale a few years back!

A fun/weird fact about the Padres.

With a huge military influence in the city of San Diego, with Navy bases and Seals training constantly being conducted (due to the awesome weather year round), the Padres will wear full camo uniforms on regular rotation.

For the 2017 season, they would salute the armed services every Sunday home game – a very cool tradition that has been adopted league wide on Memorial Day and other Military appreciation nights.