The San Diego Padres, established in 1969, are a Major League Baseball (MLB) team based in San Diego, California. They joined the National League (NL) as part of the league’s expansion alongside the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals). The team was named after the Spanish friars who founded San Diego in 1769.

Initially struggling in the league, the Padres endured many losing seasons during their early years. Their first breakthrough came in 1984 when, led by players like Tony Gwynn and Steve Garvey, they won their first NL pennant, though they lost to the Detroit Tigers in the World Series. Tony Gwynn, one of the greatest hitters in MLB history, became the franchise’s cornerstone, playing his entire 20-year career with the Padres.

The team made its second World Series appearance in 1998, but fell to the New York Yankees. Over the years, the Padres have seen ups and downs, occasionally reaching the postseason but struggling to maintain consistent success.

In recent years, the Padres have rebuilt into a competitive team, highlighted by stars like Fernando Tatís Jr. and Manny Machado. Playing at Petco Park since 2004, the Padres remain central to San Diego’s sports culture, with a loyal and growing fanbase.