San Diego Padres Tickets

The San Diego Padres are one of only two Major League Baseball teams to have originated in California. The name "Padres" is Spanish for "fathers," referring to the Franciscan friars of Spain who established San Diego in 1769. The same name was used by a Pacific Coast Minor League team that took the PCL championship in 1937. Their leader was none other than Ted Williams, who was 18 years old at the time. The Padres, Expos, Royals, and Pilots were all expansion teams in 1969. The team played in the World Series in 1984 and 1998 but lost both times. Tony Gwynn, Dave Winfield, Steve Garvey and Trevor Hoffman are among the most famous ex-Padres.

Petco Park, Home to the San Diego Padres

In 2004, the San Diego Padres baseball team no longer had to share Qualcomm Stadium with the National Football League's San Diego Chargers, opening its new home ballpark, Petco Park. Situated in downtown San Diego, Petco Park is built retro-style with red and green seats and constructed using stucco and Indian sandstone. Beyond the park's outfield wall is a grassy area called the ""Park at the Park,"" which allows fans to sit and enjoy the game for as low as $5. The century-old Western Metal Supply Company building stands as part of the park beyond its left field foul pole.

San Diego Padres and the National League West

The San Diego Padres have had both lean and flush years in the National League West division, yet their record proves their ability to win. The Padres achieved NL West Division wins in 1984, 1996, 1998, 2005, and 2006, sometimes coming from behind to grab the title and sometimes leading all the way. The team advanced to the National League championship series in 1984 and in 1998, winning both contests and continuing on to make World Series appearances. The Padres compete with their main rivals, the NL West Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies, more than any other teams.

San Diego Padres 2012 Team Outlook

The San Diego Padres had one of the better pitching staffs in baseball in 2011; unfortunately, they received absolutely no support from a very weak offense. Of course, some of this is attributable to the vast confines of Petco Park, but it is safe to say that the Padres have lacked a power bat in the lineup since trading away Adrian Gonzalez at the end of the 2010 season. However, this problem may have been fixed by the blockbuster trade that sent ace pitcher Mat Latos to the Cincinnati Reds for, among other players, Yonder Alonso, who is expected to take over at first base in 2012. In addition, after losing both Mike Adams and Heath Bell, the Padres solidified their bullpen by trading for Huston Street and Andrew Cashner. Overall, the Padres have made some interesting moves, and given the wide-open nature of the National League West, it would not be inconceivable to see the Padres make a run for the playoffs in 2012.