The San Diego Padres announced on Tuesday that team owner and chairman Peter Seidler died at the age of 63.
Seidler took over as chairman of the team in 2020 (after serving as a part owner since 2012) and was the main reason the Padres started spending at a rate that competed with baseball’s big-market clubs. They went into the 2023 season with a top-3 payroll in baseball and defied how small-market teams typically operate.
His stated goal was to bring a World Series championship to San Diego. And despite the Padres falling short, Seidler’s commitment to the club was never in question.
With profound sadness, the Padres announce that their Chairman and Owner Peter Seidler passed away today in San Diego. He will be dearly missed.
Please see the attached press release for further detail: https://t.co/aCzmP690G9 pic.twitter.com/hWOxwRbLFq
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) November 14, 2023
After the news of his passing, MLB fans offered tributes on social media to the late Padres owner.
This was how Twitter reacted
Peter Seidler loved the Padres as much as I do. As much as you do. As much as we all do. And put his money where his mouth was. A San Diego legend, forever. Devastated. pic.twitter.com/JouhvsBZWN
— Ryan Cohen (@RyanCohen24) November 14, 2023
RIP. Peter Seidler loved his team, loved his city. He was always upbeat and wanted nothing more than to bring a World Series title to San Diego. https://t.co/EhoeP4aQl7
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 14, 2023
RIP to Peter Seidler
No owner in baseball was a greater cheerleader for his city and his team.
He may have spent above his team's means. But he refused to accept the popular notion that San Diego was just another small market that couldn't compete.
It's hard not to admire that https://t.co/k1bzGOtUmB
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) November 14, 2023
Peter Seidler did what every fan hopes a team owner will do – spends and does whatever it takes to build a winning team. We were fortunate as Padres fans to have him in San Diego. He put us back on the map. God damn I am bummed, man. Really bummed. You’ll be missed Pete.
— rich (@rich_roberts) November 14, 2023
Absolutely heartbroken about the passing of Peter Seidler. One of most positive spirits I've ever encountered. Always concerned about helping others & making world better place for humanity. San Diego, Padres fans, MLB lost a great & beloved man. Prayers with the Seidler family.
— Bob Scanlan (@heyscan) November 14, 2023
There needs to be a Peter Seidler statue right outside Petco Park by Opening Day 2024.
— Devine Sports Gospel (@DevineGospel) November 14, 2023
No one loved the Padres more than Peter Seidler. He was a kind, caring man who was passionate and dedicated to bringing a championship to San Diego. He was everything a sports franchise owner should be.
The city, and the world, lost a great man today. Just profoundly sad.
— Ryan Phillips (@RumorsandRants) November 14, 2023
Peter Seidler did basically everything you'd want a baseball owner to do. Totally laughed at the notion of "small market team" and poured his money into trying to build a winner for the city.
— Nick Stellini (@StelliniTweets) November 14, 2023
One can make a strong argument that baseball just lost its best owner — particularly if the criteria is fan service. In an endeavor built on competition and on providing entertainment, Peter Seidler really tried.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) November 14, 2023
