In one of the most emotional and monumental announcements in franchise history, Padres owner Peter Seidler has officially declared that Tony Gwynn, the iconic Hall of Famer and long-time face of the San Diego Padres, will return to the organization in 2025 as a co-owner — a powerful tribute to the legacy he built and the love he left behind.
Gwynn, who tragically passed away in 2014, remains one of the most revered figures in baseball history. Now, in a bold and heartfelt move, the Gwynn family — led by his widow Alicia and children Tony Jr. and Anisha — will represent Tony’s legacy as equity-holding partners in the Padres’ ownership group.
“This is about honoring the soul of Padres baseball,” said Seidler during the announcement at Petco Park. “Tony Gwynn was — and still is — the heart of San Diego. This brings him home in a way that will last for generations.”
The announcement comes as the Padres prepare for a new era both on and off the field, and integrating Gwynn’s name into ownership cements his place not only in franchise history, but in its future. The move includes:
-
A permanent seat on the board of directors for a Gwynn family representative
-
Expanded involvement in youth baseball development, education, and community outreach programs
-
A new Tony Gwynn Leadership Center being constructed at Petco Park
Tony Gwynn spent his entire 20-year Major League career with the Padres, collecting 3,141 hits, eight batting titles, and 15 All-Star appearances. He is still considered by many to be the greatest pure hitter of the modern era — and one of the most beloved sports figures in California history.
Tony Gwynn Jr. called the honor “a full-circle moment.”
“My dad gave everything to this game and this city. To be able to carry on his name in this way — as part of the team he loved — means more to us than words can say.”
Fans erupted with emotion and celebration across social media, calling the move “perfect,” “long overdue,” and “a beautiful way to bring Mr. Padre home.”
The 2025 season will now carry extra weight for the franchise, with the Gwynn name once again woven into the fabric of the club’s leadership — not just in bronze statues or retired jerseys, but in the very decisions that will shape the Padres for years to come.
Leave a Reply