In a poignant turn of events, Peter Seidler, the revered owner of the San Diego Padres, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63. A two-time cancer survivor, Seidler’s significant contributions to the team’s success and his philanthropic endeavors leave an indelible mark on both the city of San Diego and the baseball world.
The Padres have not disclosed the cause of Seidler’s death, but a statement from September 18 revealed that a medical procedure undertaken the prior month would prevent him from attending any games for the rest of the 2023 season. Majority ownership of the Padres will continue within the Seidler family.
To honor Seidler, the Padres will open the Home Plate Gate at Petco Park, providing fans with an opportunity to gather and pay their respects. While the team takes this week to grieve the loss, they are expected to name a new field manager next week, possibly before Thanksgiving.
In a heartfelt statement, Padres CEO Erik Greupner expressed the organization’s mourning, describing Seidler as an extraordinary husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Recognizing Seidler’s kindness, generosity, and compassion for the less fortunate, Greupner emphasized the profound impact he had on San Diego and the baseball community, stating that Seidler’s spirit is now an integral part of the Padres.
Seidler, the grandson of the renowned Los Angeles Dodgers owner Walter O’Malley, played a pivotal role in transforming the Padres into a competitive force. His willingness to green-light major free-agent contracts and retain key players led the team to the postseason in 2020, ending a 14-year drought, and reaching the National League Championship Series in 2022.
Despite operating in a bottom-third television market and facing perceptions of a generally apathetic fan base, Seidler’s strategic investments resulted in a record-breaking attendance in 2023, with over 3 million fans, and increased revenues. The Opening Day payroll, standing at nearly $250 million, highlighted the Padres’ commitment to compete at the highest level.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred expressed deep sadness at Seidler’s passing, acknowledging his passion for the game and dedication to bringing pride to San Diego’s fans. Manfred praised Seidler’s involvement in community solutions, particularly addressing homelessness.
As co-founder of Seidler Equity Partners, Seidler played a crucial role in the Padres’ ownership since 2012, officially becoming the controlling owner in November 2020. Beyond baseball, Seidler’s impact extended into the community, where he addressed homelessness issues and raised substantial funds for cancer research through initiatives like “Pedal the Cause.”
Peter Seidler’s legacy is one of passion, loyalty, and kindness, leaving an enduring mark on the Padres and the community he served. Survived by his wife, Sheel, mother Terry, three children, and nine siblings, Seidler’s vision and commitment will be dearly missed, yet his spirit will continue to resonate within the fabric of the San Diego Padres.