The other three teams that joined the MLB in this very expansion were: the then Montreal Expos – now known as the Washington Nationals; the then Seattle Pilots – now known as the Milwaukee Brewers; and the Kansas City Royals.

In the first six seasons, from 1969 to 1974, the team did not do well, in fact struggled, and had a loss record of more than 90 games each season. Prior to the 1974 season, there were plans afoot to sell the Padres to Joseph Danzansky, who was to relocate the Padres to Washington, D.C. Despite everyone jumping the gun, and designing new uniforms among others, the then owner of the Padres – C. Arnholt Smith, sold the team to Ray Kroc – the co-founder of MacDonald’s, who decided to keep the team in San Diego.

In 1975, with some new acquisitions, the Padres started climbing out from the bottom of the barrel. They finished fourth with a 71-91 record, and in 1976, though they dropped down one place to finish fifth, had a new team record of 73 wins.

The First Major League Titles

Not until 1984 did a first Major League title come their way. The Padres first took the Western Division title of the National League and followed it up with the National League Pennant, by beating the Chicago Cubs. The San Diego Padres, however, lost the 1984 World Series to the powerful Detroit Tigers, 4 games to 1.

The Padres have won the Western Division titles a total of five times, but the second one came after a gap of 12 years, in 1996. Their second National League pennant came after 14 years, in 1998. They have not yet won any World Series title.

The Retired Jerseys

The Padres have had six players inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. They are: Dave Winfield, Willie McCovey, Rollie Fingers, Gaylord Perry, Ozzie Smith, and Tony Gwynn.

In addition to the # 42 jersey of Jackie Robinson, which has been retired throughout the MLB, the San Diego Padres have honored four of their past players by retiring their jersey numbers. Displayed at the top of the ‘batter’s eye’ in the center field of their home ground – The Petco Park, the jersey numbers are:

#6, Steve Garvey – Played from 1983-87
#19, Tony Gwynn - Played from 1982-2001
#31, Dave Winfield - Played from 1973-80
#35, Randy Jones - Played from 1973-80