San Diego Padres owner Peter Seidler was beloved by MLB peers

Beloved San Diego Padres Owner Peter Seidler Gone But Not Forgotten

Major League Baseball owners were overcome with emotion as they gathered for their meetings this week in Arlington, Texas. Tears were held back as they struggled to accept the absence of the cherished San Diego Padres owner, Peter Seidler.

“When I saw the news on my phone, I couldn’t believe it,” expressed Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner. Meanwhile, St. Louis Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt was visibly shaken when informed of the news, bolting to his hotel room. Commissioner Rob Manfred, upon hearing of Seidler’s death during a committee meeting, shared the news with several owners in the room, leaving the group speechless.

Seidler, the grandson of Dodgers legend Walter O’Malley, was remembered as a beautiful man with an unwavering commitment to San Diego, his beloved city, as well as a passionate soul with unyielding optimism. He survived non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma twice, always maintaining a positive outlook. As Brewers owner Mark Attanasio noted, “He was always warm, kind, and gentle. How many baseball owners can you say are gentle?”

Seidler, who fought for a 10-year contract during the MLB and players association’s 2022 dispute, was undeniably miserable when the players’ five-year contract was approved. Overcoming financial scrutiny, Seidler invested $258 million in the Padres, insisting that he had a plan to make the team succeed, despite claims that San Diego was not a baseball town.

Under Seidler’s guidance, the Padres recorded a franchise-best 3.2 million fans and an average 40,389 fans per game, on their way to an 82-80 season. Despite major financial losses, the team even went from receiving revenue-sharing to paying it. Ultimately, Seidler prioritized the team’s success and dedicated himself to winning a World Series.

Seidler, despite knowing that his days were numbered, lived his life as if he were immortal. He was a universally liked figure who touched the lives of everyone he met. Even as his health declined, he always asked about others and rarely spoke about his own well-being. His kind-hearted nature extended to everyone he encountered, from stadium workers to players.

Seidler’s devotion to his community was evident by his hands-on approach in combating homelessness in downtown San Diego. He took the time to become familiar with the homeless, offering his help and even buying one person lunch and rewarding him for returning Seidler’s lost cell phone. Even during the Padres’ rough periods, Seidler remained optimistic that the team would succeed, fueled by his unwavering hope and determination.

As Major League Baseball owners mourn the passing of Peter Seidler, his legacy will remain embedded in the San Diego community for years to come. His dream of the Padres celebrating a World Series championship in a parade will live on, representing the inspiration he brought to the city.

It was also announced this week that John Fisher, owner of the Oakland Athletics, was given permission by Major League Baseball to relocate the team to Las Vegas. However, Fisher will have to adhere to a 10-year flip tax to prevent using the relocation to increase his team’s value too quickly.

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David Rodriguez

David Rodriguez brings the excitement of Major League Baseball to readers. With a deep appreciation for America’s pastime, he covers the latest MLB news, scores, and player achievements, keeping fans up to date with their favorite teams and players.