San Diego Padres History

San Diego Padres Baseball History

San Diego Padres, professional baseball team, one of five teams in the West Division of the National League (NL). The Padres play at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California, and wear uniforms of white, orange, and blue. The team’s name, the Spanish word commonly used for priest, was inspired by the padres of the Roman Catholic Mission San Diego de Alcala, which was founded in San Diego during the 18th century.

The Padres made their first World Series appearance in 1984 under the direction of manager Dick Williams. Starring on that team were first baseman Steve Garvey, relief pitcher Goose Gossage, and right fielder Tony Gwynn. The left-handed Gwynn, one of the finest hitters in major league history, won eight batting titles from 1984 to 1997. In 1998 the Padres won 98 games and the NL pennant, led by Gwynn, pitcher Kevin Brown, first baseman Wally Joyner, and outfielder Greg Vaughn.

The Padres joined the NL’s West Division in 1969 as an expansion team. The club struggled in its early years, placing last in the division for six consecutive seasons. Featured in San Diego’s early lineups were power-hitting first basemen Nate Colbert and Willie McCovey and center fielder Cito Gaston. Outfielder Dave Winfield joined the team in 1973 and became the team’s first superstar, leading the club in runs batted in (RBIs) seven times and in home runs five times during his eight years in San Diego.

The Padres improved in 1976, winning 73 games as left-handed pitcher Randy Jones earned the NL Cy Young Award. In 1978 first-year manager Roger Craig guided the Padres to their first winning season with a 84-78 win-loss record. Right-hander Gaylord Perry won the Cy Young Award that year at age 39, while veteran relief pitcher Rollie Fingers led the NL in saves.

The Padres hit their stride in 1984. Playing his first complete season, Tony Gwynn won his first batting title as he and teammates Steve Garvey, Garry Templeton, and Graig Nettles led San Diego to the West Division title. The Padres defeated the Chicago Cubs in the NL Championship Series to win the franchise’s first pennant, but they lost to the Detroit Tigers in the World Series.

Despite Gwynn’s sensational hitting, San Diego struggled during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Along with Gwynn, several other Padres enjoyed individual success during the team’s rebuilding period. In 1987 catcher Benito Santiago was named NL rookie of the year, and two years later relief pitcher Mark Davis led the major leagues in saves to win the NL Cy Young Award.

The Padres placed in the lower half of their division from 1993 through 1995. Manager Bruce Bochy turned the club around in 1996, guiding the Padres to the division title and receiving the NL manager of the year award. That same year, veteran third baseman Ken Caminiti was named NL most valuable player (MVP). The Padres lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the playoffs for the NL pennant.

Over the next two seasons the Padres strengthened its roster by acquiring several talented players, including Kevin Brown and Greg Vaughn. In 1998 Bochy directed the Padres to another divisional championship. The club then bested the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves to win the NL pennant. In the World Series, however, the New York Yankees swept the Padres in four games. After the season the club traded Vaughn, and Brown signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
CHAMPIONSHIPS
The team has no World Series win.
The Padres won the NL Pennant in 1984 and 1988.

TOP MANAGER
Bruce Bochy has served as the team's manager since 1995 and had a 485-469 record at the end of the 2000 season. He was named NL Manager of the Year in 1996. Dick Williams managed the team from 1982-1985 and finished with a 337-311 record.

MVPS
Ken Caminiti (1996)

CY YOUNG
Randy Jones (1976), Gaylord Perry (1978), Mark Davis (1989)

ROOKIE OF YEAR
Butch Metzger (1976 co-winner), Benito Santiago (1987)

RETIRED NUMBERS
6 - Steve Garvey (1B)
35 - Randy Jones (P)