The San Diego Padres entered the world of Major League Baseball as an expansion team in 1969. The team played at one of the least attractive fields in the game, the concrete monster known as Jack Murphy Stadium, until 1979 when it was renamed Qualcomm Stadium. Unfortunately, the team’s performance was as ugly as the stadium. The Padres finished last in their division for the first six seasons, with dismal records under .400.

The team improved slightly through the early 1980s, edging up to fourth or fifth place. Finally came 1984, a glorious season when the Padres won more games than they lost. Fans bought Padres tickets in greater numbers, coming to cheer as the team took its first pennant. Though the Padres lost their first World Series experience to the Tigers, at least they showed they had what it took to hit the big time.

Unfortunately, the Padres returned to their previous poor form, not returning to the playoffs again until 1996. In 1998, the team took its second pennant and visited the World Series, only to be swept by the Yankees. The team didn’t rally back to the playoffs again until 2005.

With such a poor history, it seems strange that anyone in San Diego buys baseball tickets to watch the Padres. But Padres tickets sell year after year because of the players. The team has enjoyed the talents of some great players over the years.

Nate Colbert played first base for the Padres and left behind a team record with his .469 batting average. He tied a baseball record for five home runs in one day, set in August, 1972. Colbert was also selected for three consecutive All-Star games.

Outfielder Tony Gwynn spent his entire career playing for the Padres, and was known for his outstanding bat. He received Gold Glove honors five times, and won seven Silver Slugger awards. He was named an All-Star 15 times. Gwynn is beloved by fans of the team, who call him “Mr. Padre.”

The first Padre to be elected to the Hall of Fame was Dave Winfield. The outfielder spent eight years with the team, making it to the All-Stars in four of those years. He took Gold Glove honors in 1979 and 1980. Pitcher Randy Jones took the team’s first ever Cy Young award, in 1976. He was also named Pitcher of the Year and went to the All-Stars twice.

In 2004, the Padres finally escaped their awful stadium and moved into a beautiful new ballpark that boasts fantastic sight lines from every seat in the stands. PETCO Park is truly amazing, and Padres tickets sales may well rise if the new stadium’s style, energy, and flair rub off on the team and boost the Padres into a winning franchise.