Your 2020 San Diego Padres

BY: ANDRES JAIME-MENDEZ

Photo courtesy of News AKMI.

Star players and chemistry make a historic San Diego Padres team in a time the city needs it most. These are not your father’s Padres. After fourteen years of a disappointing track record, the San Diego Padres are playing extremely well and are considered serious contenders for the World Series title. What has changed to make the Padres a winning team? A talented squad, unique chemistry, and a supportive community. Talent is not cheap, especially in baseball. The San Diego Padres had to heavily invest to attract difference-makers. After a great 2016 campaign that earned outfielder Wil Myers a spot in the All-Star Game, the Padres signed Myers to a six-year, $83 million extension. Two years later in 2018, the Friars signed free-agent first baseman Eric Hosmer to an eight-year, $144 million contract. That wasn’t all. In February of 2019, the Padres signed third baseman Manny Machado to a ten-year, $300 million contract. At the time, this was the largest free-agent contract in American sports history. Initially, the Friar Faithful (Padres fans) were skeptical of these huge contracts, with Myers, Hosmer, and Machado not living up to the hype in the first years of their contracts. As a result, Ron Fowler, executive chairman of the Padres, announced that if the Padres did not find success in 2020, “heads would roll.” Then, second-year player Fernando Tatis Jr. put himself in MVP contention with his fantastic 2020 season. No one anticipated that, right now, the Friars would be World Series championship contenders with Myers, Tatis, Hosmer, and Machado playing top baseball. The Padres’ success is not just because

four good players found their stride in a season shortened by COVID-19. This year’s success is a result of a greater concept of team chemistry and community. The team has good individual players, but the most important thing is the roster’s makeup. The team looked for energetic, fun, and passionate players to complement the already electric Tatis. A.J. Preller, the Padres general manager, not only brought in quality players but guys who would fit in well and create a fantastic clubhouse dynamic. The 2020 Padres team is full of energy that makes them fun to watch. Good chemistry and supporting relationships are fundamental to creating success in any facet of life. What a joy it was to watch the Padres this past season! The Padres have created a sense of community and hope for all in San Diego. The team winning on a consistent basis has brightened people’s days during the tough times we are experiencing. It gives all San Diegans a chance to come together and celebrate America’s pastime. Recently, the Padres were chosen by Mayor Kevin Faulconer to develop the East Village site known as Tailgate Lot. The Friars’ plans include holding community events and markets to build a sense of community. A parking lot will become a neighborhood and transform the downtown area into an even more vibrant place. The Padres are truly having a special impact in San Diego. Soon, America’s Finest City could have America’s Finest Baseball Team. Go Padres!

Photo courtesy of NBC San Diego.