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
Tag: Willie McCovey
The Complete History of the MLB Athletics: From Philadelphia to Sacramento and Las Vegas
The Athletics are one of the oldest and most traveled franchises in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1901 as a charter member of the American League, the franchise has called Philadelphia, Kansas City, Oakland and West Sacramento home. Along the way, the A’s have won nine World Series championships, produced legendary players and managers, and become one of baseball’s most recognizable franchises. The franchise was known as the Philadelphia Athletics from 1901-1954, the Kansas City Athletics from 1955-1967, and the Oakland Athletics from 1968-2024. Beginning in 2025, the club began its temporary stay at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, with a planned move to a new Las Vegas ballpark in 2028. The Beginning: The Philadelphia Athletics The Athletics began play in Philadelphia in 1901. Connie Mack was brought in to run the baseball operation, while sporting-goods businessman Benjamin F. Shibe became the club’s principal early owner. The original ownership group included Benjamin Shibe, Connie Mack, Tom Shibe, John Shibe, Sam Jones and Frank Hough. Mack gradually acquired additional ownership and eventually became the dominant figure in the organization. The Philadelphia Athletics quickly became one of the American League’s premier clubs. They won American League pennants in 1902, 1905, 1910, 1911, 1913, 1914, 1929, 1930 and 1931. Five of those pennant-winning teams captured the World Series. Athletics Home Parks Columbia Park — Philadelphia 1901-1908 The first home of the Athletics was Columbia Park in North Philadelphia. The park opened in 1901 and originally held about 9,500 fans. Capacity was later increased to approximately 13,600. Shibe Park — Philadelphia 1909-1954 The Athletics moved into Shibe Park in 1909. It was one of baseball’s first major concrete-and-steel stadiums. The park was named for owner Benjamin Shibe. In 1953 it was officially renamed Connie Mack Stadium in honor of the legendary manager. The Athletics played there until leaving Philadelphia after the 1954 season. Municipal Stadium — Kansas City 1955-1967 After the franchise was sold and moved to Kansas City, the Athletics played at Municipal Stadium. The stadium had previously been associated with the Kansas City Blues and Kansas City Monarchs. The facility was extensively rebuilt before the Athletics began play there in 1955. Oakland Coliseum — Oakland 1968-2024 The Athletics moved to Oakland in 1968 and played their first game at the Coliseum on April 17, 1968. The Coliseum became the longest-running home in Athletics history and witnessed four World Series championships, the 20-game winning streak of 2002, The Bash Brothers era, the Moneyball era and many other memorable moments. The final Athletics game in Oakland was played in September 2024. Sutter Health Park — West Sacramento 2025-2027 The Athletics moved temporarily to Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento beginning with the 2025 season. The agreement calls for the Athletics to play there through 2027, with an option for 2028 if the planned Las Vegas stadium is not ready. Las Vegas — Planned Future Home The Athletics are planning to move to a new ballpark in Las Vegas for the 2028 season. The Las Vegas facility is intended to become the franchise’s permanent home after the temporary Sacramento period. Athletics Ownership Through the Years The ownership history of the Athletics is almost as interesting as the playing history. Philadelphia Athletics 1901-1921 — Benjamin F. Shibe and Connie Mack, with other original minority owners including Tom Shibe, John Shibe, Sam Jones and Frank Hough. 1922-1936 — Tom Shibe, John Shibe and Connie Mack 1936-1937 — John Shibe and Connie Mack 1937-1950 — Connie Mack and the Mack/Shibe ownership interests 1950-1954 — Connie Mack, Roy Mack and Earle Mack The Mack family ultimately controlled the club before selling it after the 1954 season. Kansas City Athletics 1954-1960 — Arnold Johnson Arnold Johnson purchased the Philadelphia Athletics and moved the franchise to Kansas City. 1960-1980 — Charles O. “Charlie” Finley Finley became one of the most colorful owners in baseball history. He purchased controlling interest in 1960 and eventually acquired the remaining ownership interests. Finley moved the team to Oakland in 1968 and was the owner when the Athletics won three consecutive World Series championships from 1972 through 1974. Oakland Athletics 1980-1995 — Walter A. Haas Jr. Haas purchased the Athletics from Finley following the 1980 season. During his ownership, Oakland won three consecutive American League pennants from 1988-1990 and the 1989 World Series. 1995-2005 — Stephen Schott and Ken Hofmann Schott and Hofmann purchased the Athletics in 1995. The team reached the postseason four consecutive years from 2000-2003. 2005-2016 — Lewis Wolff and John Fisher Wolff, Fisher and a limited partnership group purchased the Athletics in 2005. 2016-present — John Fisher Fisher became managing partner in 2016 after Wolff stepped down from the position. Fisher remains the Athletics’ owner and managing partner. The Athletics’ Nine World Series Championships The Athletics have won nine World Series championships, with titles spread across three different cities. Year Opponent Result Athletics Series Record 1910 Chicago Cubs Won 4-1 1911 New York Giants Won 4-2 1913 New York Giants Won 4-1 1929 Chicago Cubs Won 4-1 1930 St. Louis Cardinals Won 4-2 1972 Cincinnati Reds Won 4-3 1973 New York Mets Won 4-3 1974 Los Angeles Dodgers Won 4-1 1989 San Francisco Giants Won 4-0 That gives the Athletics an all-time World Series record of 36 wins and 18 losses in their nine championship series. The nine championships occurred in 1910, 1911, 1913, 1929, 1930, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1989. The Philadelphia Dynasties The first Athletics dynasty was built around stars such as Eddie Collins, Home Run Baker, Chief Bender and Eddie Plank. The 1910, 1911 and 1913 Athletics won three World Series championships in four years. The second Philadelphia dynasty came in the late 1920s and early 1930s. That team featured: Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Cochrane. Lefty Grove, Al Simmons, Eddie Collins Connie Mack Philadelphia won the World Series in 1929 and 1930 and reached the World Series again in 1931. The Oakland Dynasty The greatest modern Athletics dynasty came during the early 1970s. Oakland won… Continue reading The Complete History of the MLB Athletics: From Philadelphia to Sacramento and Las Vegas
The History of the San Francisco Giants
[custom_countdown width=”100px”] The History of the San Francisco Giants: From New York to the Bay Area The San Francisco Giants are one of the oldest and most successful franchises in Major League Baseball. Their history begins in 1883, when John B. Day and Jim Mutrie organized a National League club originally known as the New York Gothams. The club adopted the nickname Giants during the 1885 season. The franchise has played in two great baseball cities, New York and San Francisco, and has been home to some of the greatest players in baseball history. The Giants have won 23 National League pennants and eight World Series championships, five championships in New York and three since moving to San Francisco. The Beginning: The New York Gothams The Giants entered the National League in 1883. John B. Day and Jim Mutrie had already operated the New York Metropolitans, and they helped establish the new National League club. The Gothams quickly became a powerhouse. By 1885, the team was being called the Giants, and the roster included future Hall of Famers such as Roger Connor, Buck Ewing, Tim Keefe and Mickey Welch. That 1885 club won 85 of 112 games, producing the highest winning percentage in franchise history. The Giants won their first National League pennants in 1888 and 1889 and also won the early championship series against the American Association champion. The franchise survived numerous ownership changes, ballpark moves and league challenges before establishing itself as one of baseball’s permanent institutions. Every Home Ballpark in Giants History Few franchises have had a more interesting ballpark history. The Giants have played in several different parks in New York and two temporary and permanent homes in San Francisco.Jersey City, New Jersey Ballpark Years Used Location Polo Grounds I 1883-1888 110th St. & Sixth Ave., Manhattan Oakdale Park 1889 Jersey City, New Jersey St. George Grounds 1889 Staten Island, New York Polo Grounds II 1889-1890 155th St. & Eighth Ave., Manhattan Polo Grounds III 1891-1911 Coogan’s Hollow, Manhattan Hilltop Park 1911 165th St. & Fort Washington Ave. Polo Grounds V 1911-1957 155th/157th St. & Eighth Ave., Manhattan Seals Stadium 1958-1959 16th & Bryant Streets, San Francisco Candlestick Park 1960-1999 Candlestick Point, San Francisco Oracle Park 2000-present Third & King Streets, San Francisco The Giants opened their 1889 season at Oakdale Park in Jersey City because they had been evicted from the original Polo Grounds. They played two games there before moving to the St. George Grounds on Staten Island. Later that year they moved back to Manhattan to a new Polo Grounds. The 1911 season produced another unusual chapter. The Polo Grounds burned, forcing the Giants to temporarily use Hilltop Park, the home of the American League New York Highlanders. The rebuilt Polo Grounds opened in June 1911 and became the Giants’ home through the 1957 season. Seals Stadium After moving west in 1958, the Giants played their first two seasons in San Francisco at Seals Stadium. On April 15, 1958, the Giants defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-0 in their first Major League game in San Francisco. Orlando Cepeda hit a home run in the historic season and won the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Candlestick Park The Giants moved to Candlestick Park in 1960. The stadium was initially considered a modern improvement over Seals Stadium, but its cold temperatures and notorious winds eventually made it one of the most distinctive—and sometimes hated—ballparks in baseball. Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Juan Marichal, Barry Bonds and many other Giants stars played at Candlestick. Oracle Park The Giants opened their new downtown San Francisco ballpark in 2000. Originally named Pacific Bell Park, it later became SBC Park, AT&T Park, and finally Oracle Park. The privately financed stadium helped secure the franchise’s long-term future in San Francisco. It also became famous for McCovey Cove, where home runs hit by left-handed Giants hitters can splash into the water. Giants Ownership Through the Years The ownership history of the Giants is almost as complicated as the franchise’s ballpark history. The following list identifies the principal owner or controlling ownership figure for each major period. During the modern era, ownership became an investment partnership rather than a single-person operation. Years Principal/Controlling Owner 1883-1893 John B. Day 1893-1895 C.C. Van Cott 1895-1902 Andrew Freedman 1902-1912 John T. Brush 1912-1919 Harry N. Hempstead 1919-1936 Charles A. Stoneham 1936-1976 Horace C. Stoneham 1976-1993 Bob Lurie 1993-2008 Peter Magowan-led ownership group 2008-2011 William H. Neukom-led ownership group 2012-2019 Larry Baer as managing/control executive 2019-present Greg Johnson as chairman and designated control person The Giants’ early ownership chronology is documented in the club’s historical media guides. Horace Stoneham and the Move West Horace Stoneham inherited the Giants from his father, Charles, in 1936. He eventually became the man responsible for one of the biggest decisions in franchise history. In 1957, Stoneham announced that the Giants would leave New York for San Francisco. The move occurred at the same time the Brooklyn Dodgers were moving to Los Angeles. The two moves permanently changed the geographic map of Major League Baseball. Bob Lurie Saves the Giants Bob Lurie purchased the Giants in 1976 and spent years trying to obtain a new stadium. When those efforts failed, he agreed to sell the team to a group that intended to move it to the Tampa Bay area. That move nearly happened. In 1992, a Bay Area investment group led by Peter Magowan stepped forward and purchased the franchise, keeping the Giants in San Francisco. The Modern Ownership Group Peter Magowan’s group immediately changed the direction of the franchise. The group signed Barry Bonds and began the effort to build a new downtown stadium. Today, the Giants are owned by a consortium of investors. Greg Johnson is chairman and the club’s designated control person, while his father, Charles B. Johnson, has been the largest individual shareholder. The Johnson family has been part of the ownership group since the early 1990s. The Giants in… Continue reading The History of the San Francisco Giants
