The San Diego Padres entered Major League Baseball in 1969 as an expansion franchise, joining the National League along with the Montreal Expos, Kansas City Royals and Seattle Pilots. More than five decades later, the Padres have built one of baseball’s most recognizable franchises, produced multiple Hall of Famers, won two National League pennants, and become one of the most aggressive teams in baseball when it comes to acquiring star players. Yet one accomplishment remains missing from the Padres’ résumé: a World Series championship. The Padres have reached the World Series twice, in 1984 and 1998, but lost both times. The 1984 club lost to the Detroit Tigers in five games, while the 1998 team was swept by the New York Yankees. The Birth of the Padres San Diego had a long baseball history before joining the major leagues. The original San Diego Padres played in the Pacific Coast League beginning in 1936. San Diego was awarded a National League expansion franchise on May 27, 1968. The new Padres selected 30 players in the expansion draft, with outfielder Ollie Brown becoming the first player selected by the franchise. The Padres played their first major league game on April 8, 1969, defeating the Houston Astros 2-1 at San Diego Stadium before 23,370 fans. The early years were difficult. The 1969 Padres finished 52-110, and losing seasons became the norm during the franchise’s first decade. But San Diego gradually developed stars such as Nate Colbert and Randy Jones. Padres Ownership Through the Years C. Arnholt Smith — 1969-1974 C. Arnholt Smith was the original owner of the Major League Padres. A San Diego banker and businessman, Smith had also been involved with the Pacific Coast League Padres. Smith’s ownership nearly ended with the franchise leaving San Diego. Financial problems and controversy surrounding Smith’s other business interests put the Padres’ future in jeopardy. In 1974, McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc purchased the team and prevented the franchise from moving to Washington, D.C. Ray Kroc — 1974-1984 Ray Kroc became one of the most important owners in Padres history. The McDonald’s founder immediately increased the team’s visibility and spending. Attendance passed one million during his first season as owner, and Kroc became known for his willingness to spend money on major-league talent. Kroc died in January 1984, just months before the Padres reached their first World Series. His ownership helped establish the foundation for the most important season in early Padres history. Kroc was later inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame. Joan Kroc — 1984-1990 After Ray Kroc’s death, ownership p assed to his widow, Joan Kroc. Her first season as owner became the greatest season in Pa dres history to that point. The 1984 Padres won the National League West, defeated the Chicago Cubs in the NL Championship Series and reached the World Series for the first time. The Padres ultimately lost the World Series to the Detroit Tigers, four games to one. Joan Kroc sold the franchise in 1990 to an ownership group headed by television producer Tom Werner. Tom Werner and the Werner Ownership Group — 1990-1994 Tom Werner headed an ownership group that eventually included 15 investors. The Werner era produced some of the most memorable and controversial trades in Padres history. One of the most important was the December 1990 trade with Toronto that sent future Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar and Joe Carter to the Blue Jays in exchange for Fred McGriff and Tony Fernández. Alomar and Carter subsequently became major parts of Toronto’s back-to-back World Series championships in 1992 and 1993. John Moores — 1994-2012 Software entrepreneur John Moores purchased controlling ownership of the Padres in 1994. His tenure produced two NL West championships, the 1998 National League pennant and the construction of Petco Park. The 1998 Padres became one of the greatest teams in franchise history, going 98-64 before winning the NL pennant. They faced the powerhouse New York Yankees in the World Series but were swept in four games. Moores also played an important role in bringing the Padres into downtown San Diego with the development of Petco Park. He was inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame in 2023. Jeff Moorad and the Attempted Purchase — 2009-2012 Former player agent and executive Jeff Moorad assembled an investment group and attempted to purchase the Padres from Moores. The proposed transaction was structured as a gradual purchase of the team. Moorad eventually withdrew his application to become the controlling owner in 2012. The situation ultimately led to another ownership change. Ron Fowler and the Seidler/O’Malley Ownership Group — 2012-2020 In 2012, a group led by Ron Fowler, Peter Seidler and members of the O’Malley family purchased the Padres. Fowler became the controlling owner and executive chairman. The purchase was valued at approximately $800 million and was approved by Major League Baseball in August 2012. Peter Seidler — 2020-2023 In November 2020, Peter Seidler became the Padres’ largest shareholder and controlling owner after purchasing additional shares from Ron Fowler. Seidler’s ownership transformed the Padres’ approach to building the roster. San Diego became much more aggressive in free agency, trades and long-term contracts. The Padres signed and acquired stars including Manny Machado, Juan Soto and other major players while building a team designed to compete for championships. Seidler died in November 2023. John Seidler and the Seidler Family — 2023-2026 After Peter Seidler’s death, his family continued to oversee the franchise, with his brother John Seidler serving as chairman and control person during the transition period. The family eventually agreed to sell control of the franchise. Kwanza Jones and José E. Feliciano… Continue reading San Diego Padres: The Complete History
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Los Angeles Angels History: Owners, Ballparks, Hall of Famers, Awards and World Series
The Los Angeles Angels have one of the more colorful histories in Major League Baseball. Founded as an American League expansion team in 1961, the Angels began life in Los Angeles before moving to Anaheim in 1966. Over the years, the franchise has been known as the Los Angeles Angels, California Angels, Anaheim Angels and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim before returning to simply the Los Angeles Angels. Los Angeles Angels History: Owners, Ballparks, Hall of Famers, Awards and Los Angeles Angels History: From the Singing Cowboy to the 2002 World Champions The Los Angeles Angels have one of the more colorful histories in Major League Baseball. Founded as an American League expansion team in 1961, the Angels began life in Los Angeles before moving to Anaheim in 1966. Over the years, the franchise has been known as the Los Angeles Angels, California Angels, Anaheim Angels and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim before returning to simply the Los Angeles Angels. The franchise has produced Hall of Famers, MVPs, Rookie of the Year winners, Cy Young Award winners and one World Series championship. Most importantly to Angels fans, the club finally captured its first World Series championship in 2002, completing a 42-year wait for a championship. The Beginning of the Angels The Angels were awarded to entertainer and businessman Gene Autry in 1960 as part of the American League’s expansion. Autry originally attended the owners’ meeting hoping to obtain the radio broadcasting rights for the new club. Instead, baseball officials encouraged him to become the owner. Autry wanted to call his new team the Los Angeles Angels, continuing the name of the popular Pacific Coast League club. The Angels began play in 1961. The first Angels team finished 70-91 in 1961. Despite the losing record, that .435 winning percentage remains the best winning percentage for an expansion team in its first season. Angels Ownership History Owner Years Notes Gene Autry 1960-1998 Founder and first owner; “The Singing Cowboy” Jackie Autry 1998-1999 Gene Autry’s widow; legal owner after his death The Walt Disney Company 1995/96-2003 Disney first purchased a minority stake, then gained control and eventually full ownership Arte Moreno 2003-2027* Purchased the Angels from Disney Stan Kroenke / Kroenke Sports & Entertainment 2027* Agreed to purchase the Angels; closing is expected in 2027 pending MLB approval *The Kroenke transaction had not yet closed as of September 4, 2026. Disney purchased 25 percent of the club in 1995 and became managing general partner in 1996. After Gene Autry’s death, Disney completed its acquisition in 1999. Arte Moreno purchased the franchise in 2003 and became the first Mexican-American owner of a Major League Baseball team. In September 2026, Moreno agreed to sell the Angels to billionaire Stan Kroenke, whose sports holdings include the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche and Arsenal. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to MLB approval. Every Angels Home Ballpark The Angels have played in only three Major League ballparks. 1. Wrigley Field — Los Angeles 1961 The Angels’ first home was Wrigley Field in Los Angeles. It was not the same Wrigley Field used by the Chicago Cubs. The Los Angeles park was designed to resemble the Chicago ballpark. The Angels played their entire 1961 season there. Capacity: 20,457 An incredible 248 home runs were hit at the park during the Angels’ first season, a Major League record at the time. 2. Dodger Stadium — Los Angeles 1962-1965 The Angels moved into Dodger Stadium in 1962. During the Angels’ years there, the club referred to the facility as Chavez Ravine. The Angels remained tenants of the Dodgers for four seasons. 3. Angel Stadium — Anaheim 1966-present The Angels moved to their permanent home in Anaheim in 1966. The stadium originally opened as Anaheim Stadium. It later became Edison International Field in 1997 and returned to the name Angel Stadium after the 2003 season. Angel Stadium is one of the oldest active Major League ballparks. Angels Team Name History The franchise has gone through several names: Los Angeles Angels: 1961-1965 California Angels: 1965-1996 Anaheim Angels: 1997-2004 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: 2005-2015 Los Angeles Angels: 2016-present The original Los Angeles Angels name returned in 2016. Angels in the National Baseball Hall of Fame Several players who wore an Angels uniform have been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Hall of Famer Position Angels Years Birthplace/Hometown Rod Carew 1B/2B 1979-1985 Gatun, Panama Canal Zone Nolan Ryan P 1972-1979 Refugio, Texas Frank Robinson OF 1973-1974 Beaumont, Texas Reggie Jackson OF 1982 Wyncote, Pennsylvania Bert Blyleven P 1989-1990, 1992 Zeist, Netherlands Don Sutton P 1985-1987 Clio, Alabama Ferguson Jenkins P 1983 Chatham, Ontario, Canada Goose Gossage P 1988 Colorado Springs, Colorado Dave Winfield OF 1990-1991 St. Paul, Minnesota Vladimir Guerrero OF 2004-2009 Nizao, Dominican Republic Nolan Ryan Nolan Ryan became one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. With the Angels, he went 138-121 with a 3.06 ERA and struck out 2,416 batters. Four of his seven career no-hitters came while he was an Angel. Ryan was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Angels retired his No. 30. Rod Carew Rod Carew joined the Angels in 1979 after starring for Minnesota. He collected his 3,000th career hit as an Angel in 1985 and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991. Carew won the American League MVP Award in 1977 and seven batting titles during his career. Frank Robinson Frank Robinson played only two seasons for the Angels, but his overall career made him one of baseball’s greatest players. He became the first player to win the MVP Award in both the American and National Leagues. Reggie Jackson “Mr. October” spent the 1982 season with the Angels. Although his Angels career was brief, Jackson’s Hall of Fame career included five World Series championships and the 1973 American League MVP Award. Vladimir Guerrero Guerrero became one of the biggest stars of the Arte Moreno… Continue reading Los Angeles Angels History: Owners, Ballparks, Hall of Famers, Awards and World Series
Chicago White Sox: Complete History
[ Chicago White Sox: Complete History, Owners, Ballparks, Hall of Famers, MVPs, Rookies and World Series Championships: The Chicago White Sox are one of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball. Their history stretches back to the formation of the American League, and the team has been part of Chicago baseball since 1900. The White Sox have won three World Series championships — 1906, 1917 and 2005 — and have produced an impressive collection of Hall of Famers, MVPs, Rookie of the Year winners and legendary players. The franchise has also experienced some of the most dramatic events in baseball history, including the 1919 Black Sox scandal, the rise of the “Go-Go” White Sox of the 1950s, the 1959 American League pennant, the powerful teams of the 1980s and 1990s, and the 2005 championship team that finally ended an 88-year World Series drought. The Beginning of the Chicago White Sox The franchise originated in 1900 when Charles Comiskey moved the Western League’s St. Paul franchise to Chicago. The club initially became known as the Chicago White Stockings, although sportswriters soon shortened the name to White Sox. In 1901, the American League became a major league, and Chicago was one of its charter franchises. The White Sox won the first American League pennant in 1901. The franchise has remained in Chicago ever since. Chicago White Sox Home Ballparks Unlike some franchises that have moved between several cities, the White Sox have always played their home games in Chicago. There have been three primary home-ballpark names/venues in franchise history. 1. 39th Street Grounds 1900–June 27, 1910 The first home of the White Sox was the 39th Street Grounds, located at 39th Street and Princeton. Charles Comiskey built a wooden grandstand on the site in 1900. The small ballpark had a capacity of fewer than 7,500 spectators. The White Sox played there until June 27, 1910. The 39th Street Grounds later became an important location in Chicago Negro Leagues history. 2. Comiskey Park 1910–1990 Comiskey Park opened July 1, 1910. It was built by Charles Comiskey and quickly became known as the “Baseball Palace of the World.” The stadium stood at 35th Street and Shields Avenue. Comiskey Park hosted some of the greatest moments in White Sox history, including: The 1917 World Series The 1919 World Series The 1959 American League pennant The 1959 World Series The 1960s “Go-Go” White Sox era The 1977 South Side Hitmen The 1983 American League West championship The final White Sox game there in 1990 The White Sox played their final game at old Comiskey Park on September 30, 1990. 3. New Comiskey Park / U.S. Cellular Field / Guaranteed Rate Field / Rate Field 1991–Present The new stadium opened April 18, 1991, directly across the street from old Comiskey Park. It originally carried the name New Comiskey Park. The ballpark was renamed: U.S. Cellular Field — 2003 Guaranteed Rate Field — 2016 Rate Field — 2024 The White Sox still play there today. MLB currently identifies the stadium as Rate Field. All White Sox Owners Ownership of the White Sox has changed considerably over the club’s history. Owner Years Charles Comiskey 1900–1931 J. Louis Comiskey 1931–1939 Grace Comiskey 1940–1956 Dorothy Comiskey Rigney 1956–1959 Bill Veeck 1959–1961 Arthur Allyn Jr. 1961–1969 John Allyn 1969–1975 Bill Veeck 1975–1981 Jerry Reinsdorf & Eddie Einhorn 1981–2016 Jerry Reinsdorf 2017–present The White Sox’s official ownership history records Charles Comiskey as the man who brought the franchise to Chicago, the Comiskey family succession, Bill Veeck’s two ownership periods, the Allyn ownership and the Reinsdorf/Einhorn purchase in 1981. Charles Comiskey Charles Comiskey was much more than an owner. He was a former major league player and manager who became one of the founders of the American League. He moved the St. Paul franchise to Chicago and built the White Sox into one of the original American League powers. Comiskey owned the club from 1900 through 1931. He is also a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame as an executive. The Comiskey Family After Charles Comiskey died, ownership passed to his son, J. Louis Comiskey. Following J. Louis Comiskey’s death, his widow, Grace Comiskey, controlled the club. Ownership later passed to their daughter, Dorothy Comiskey Rigney. The Comiskey family controlled the White Sox for almost six decades. Bill Veeck Bill Veeck was one of baseball’s most colorful owners. He first gained control of the White Sox in 1959 and later returned in 1975. Veeck was famous for promotions, unusual ideas and his willingness to challenge baseball traditions. During his ownership, he introduced such ideas as: Bat Day Exploding scoreboards Player names on uniforms Creative promotions Unusual fan attractions Veeck was eventually inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His 1959 White Sox won the American League pennant. Jerry Reinsdorf Jerry Reinsdorf and Eddie Einhorn purchased the White Sox in January 1981. Reinsdorf remains the chairman and controlling owner of the franchise. The Reinsdorf era includes the organization’s 1983 division championship, the 1993 division championship, the 2000 division championship and, most importantly, the 2005 World Series championship. MLB notes that Reinsdorf has served as White Sox chairman for more than four decades. White Sox World Series Championships The White Sox have won three World Series championships. Year Opponent White Sox Result 1906 Chicago Cubs Won 4–2 1917 New York Giants Won 4–2 2005 Houston Astros Won 4–0 The 1906 championship was the only World Series between two Chicago teams. MLB records the White Sox defeating the Cubs four games to two. 1906 World Series White Sox vs. Chicago Cubs The 1906 World Series was the first championship between two Chicago major-league teams. The Cubs had won an astonishing 116 games during the regular season. The White Sox, nicknamed the “Hitless Wonders,” upset the heavily favored Cubs. Series Result White Sox 4, Cubs 2 Individual Game Results Game Result Game 1 White Sox 2, Cubs 1 Game 2 Cubs 7, White Sox 1 Game 3 White Sox 3, Cubs 0 Game 4 Cubs… Continue reading Chicago White Sox: Complete History
HISTORY OF PITTSBURGH PIRATES
The Pittsburgh Pirates: A History of Home Parks, Championships, Legends and the Stars They Let Get Away The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of Major League Baseball’s oldest and most historically important franchises. Their roots reach back to the 19th century, and the club has been home to some of baseball’s greatest players, including Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, the Waner brothers, Ralph Kiner and Bill Mazeroski. The Pirates have won five World Series championships—1909, 1925, 1960, 1971 and 1979—and have played in seven World Series, including the first modern World Series in 1903. They have also experienced one of baseball’s most frustrating traditions: developing talented players and, at various times, trading them away before those players reached their greatest accomplishments elsewhere. From the Alleghenys to the Pirates The franchise’s history begins before the name “Pirates” was officially adopted. Professional baseball came to Pittsburgh in 1876, when the Pittsburgh Alleghenys played at Union Park. The club that became the modern Pirates was formally established in 1882 as a member of the American Association. The club joined the National League in 1887. The famous “Pirates” nickname came from an incident involving second baseman Lou Bierbauer. Pittsburgh signed Bierbauer after he had played in the Players’ League. Officials of the American Association accused Pittsburgh of acting “piratically” in taking the player. Pittsburgh eventually embraced the accusation, and the Pirates nickname became official in 1891. The name proved appropriate. Pittsburgh soon became one of baseball’s most aggressive and successful franchises. Every Major Home Park in Pirates History The Pirates’ ballpark history is unusually complicated because several early facilities carried the name Exposition Park. 1. Union Park — 1876 and early Pittsburgh professional baseball Union Park was one of the earliest important baseball grounds in the Pittsburgh area. The franchise’s roots include professional games there in 1876, before the modern Pirates franchise entered the American Association in 1882. 2. Exposition Park I — 1882-1883 The Alleghenys began their American Association existence at the first Exposition Park. The park was located along the Allegheny River in what was then Allegheny City. Flooding and a fire contributed to the construction of another facility. 3. Exposition Park II — 1883 A second Exposition Park was constructed in 1883. The Alleghenys played there for part of the season before moving to Recreation Park. 4. Recreation Park — 1884-1890 Recreation Park became the Alleghenys’ principal home for much of the 1880s. It was farther from the river and less vulnerable to flooding. When Pittsburgh entered the National League in 1887, Recreation Park became the first home of the Pittsburgh Alleghenys in the NL. 5. Exposition Park III — 1891-1909 The Pirates returned to the Exposition grounds in 1891. This third Exposition Park became one of the most historically significant parks in baseball. It was here that the Pirates played the home games of the 1903 World Series, the first modern World Series. Pittsburgh won National League pennants in 1901, 1902 and 1903 while playing at Exposition Park. But the 1903 World Series ended in disappointment. The Pirates lost the best-of-nine series to the Boston Americans, 5 games to 3. Deacon Phillippe started five games for Pittsburgh. 6. Forbes Field — 1909-1970 Forbes Field opened on June 30, 1909. It became the Pirates’ home for more than six decades and witnessed three Pittsburgh World Series championships: 1909 1925 1960 It was also the site of perhaps the most famous home run in Pirates history: Bill Mazeroski’s ninth-inning home run in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series, which gave Pittsburgh the championship against the New York Yankees. Forbes Field also became famous for another historic event: Babe Ruth hit the final three home runs of his career there in 1935. 7. Three Rivers Stadium — 1970-2000 The Pirates moved into Three Rivers Stadium in 1970. The multipurpose stadium stood on Pittsburgh’s North Shore near the site of the old Exposition Park. Its first Pirates game was played July 16, 1970. Three Rivers became the home of the Pirates’ championship teams of: 1971 1979 The 1971 championship was especially memorable because Roberto Clemente was spectacular throughout the World Series, batting .414 and winning Series MVP honors. 8. PNC Park — 2001-present PNC Park opened in 2001 and returned the Pirates to the North Shore. It is dramatically different from Three Rivers. Rather than being a huge multipurpose concrete stadium, PNC Park was designed specifically for baseball, with a grass field, intimate seating and views of downtown Pittsburgh. It has become one of baseball’s most highly regarded settings. The Pirates’ World Series History The Pirates have appeared in seven World Series and won five. Year Opponent Result 1903 Boston Americans Lost, 5-3 1909 Detroit Tigers Won, 4-3 1925 Washington Senators Won, 4-3 1927 New York Yankees Lost, 4-0 1960 New York Yankees Won, 4-3 1971 Baltimore Orioles Won, 4-3 1979 Baltimore Orioles Won, 4-3 The Pirates have therefore won five World Series and lost two. 1909: The First Pirates Championship The 1909 Pirates won a franchise-record 110 games. The team featured perhaps the greatest player of the early 20th century, Honus Wagner. But the World Series hero was a young pitcher named Babe Adams. Adams went 12-3 during the regular season and then won three games in the World Series against Detroit, including the deciding Game 7. 1925: The Great Comeback The 1925 Pirates defeated the Washington Senators. Pittsburgh fell behind three games to one but won the final three games to take the championship. The comeback included a remarkable Game 7 victory against legendary pitcher Walter Johnson. The 1925 club included future Hall of Famers Pie Traynor, Kiki Cuyler, Max Carey and Rabbit Maranville. 1960: Mazeroski’s Home Run If you ask baseball fans to name the most famous Pirates moment, many will immediately mention Bill Mazeroski. The 1960 World Series was dominated by the powerful Yankees in several games. New York won Games 2, 3 and 6 by a combined score of 38-3. Yet Pittsburgh kept winning the games that… Continue reading HISTORY OF PITTSBURGH PIRATES
