A Basic History of the San Diego Padres Baseball Team

The San Diego Padres are a professional baseball team that plays in Major League Baseball. The Padres play in the West Division of the National League.

The franchise was founded in 1969, and the team has always been known as the San Diego Padres.

From 1969-2003, the Padres played in the same stadium, which was known by three different names during their stay. From 1969-1980, it was known as San Diego Stadium. From 1980-1997, it was known as Jack Murphy Stadium and, from 1997-2003, it was known as Qualcomm Stadium.

Prior to the 2004 season, the Padres moved to their current location, Petco Park.

The San Diego Padres have won five division titles in their franchise history. They won the West Division in 1984, 1996, 1998, 2005, and 2006. The Padres have never won the Wild Card.

The San Diego Padres have won the National League twice in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both years. The Padres have never won a World Series.

Six former San Diego Padres players are currently in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Those players are Willie McCovey, Gaylord Perry, Rollie Fingers, Dave Winfield, Ozzie Smith, and Tony Gwynn.

Dave Winfield and Tony Gwynn are the only two players to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as members of the San Diego Padres.

Winfield played in the outfield for the Padres from 1973-1980. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

Tony Gwynn played right field for the Padres from 1982-2001. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

Five numbers have been retired by the San Diego Padres. The players whose jersey numbers have been retired are Steve Garvey - 6, Tony Gwynn - 19, Dave Winfield - 31, Randy Jones - 35, and Jackie Robinson - 42. Robinson's number is retired throughout baseball.

The retired numbers appear on a wall in center field at their home stadium. Also appearing in the stadium are a gold star and the initials RAK. The star is honor of former broadcast Jerry Coleman. The initials are in honor of former owner Ray Kroc.

The owner of the San Diego Padres is John Moores. Bud Black is the manager of the Padres, and Kevin Towers is the general manager.

The official colors of the San Diego Padres are dark blue, sand, and white. Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Arizona, is the Spring Training home of the San Diego Padres.