Questions? Well we've got answers!
With the regular season about to start, there have been quite a few questions that people have been firing my way. Some I knew. Some I didn't. So I went to Padres President Tom Garfinkel to get some answers for you. Don't say I never did anything for you guys.
Will the Chicken be making some appearances this season?
- He said that the Chicken "brings great energy" to Petco Park and is always welcome in San Diego. He'll "hopefully make an appearance or two this year". I'm hoping that they will keep the new tradition alive by having him make a surprise appearance on Opening Day, thus resulting in the Padres scoring 17 runs again.
The promotional lineup says there will only be 1 bobblehead this year but I've heard elsewhere that there will be 4?
-Nope, there will be only 1 bobblehead this year. Like I had mentioned previously, I spoke with the guy in charge of the promotional items at FanFest and he said that San Diego just doesn't show up for bobbleheads. Garfinkel said that they wanted to "recognize Bud Black for his NL Manager of the Year award" and what better way to do that by giving someone their own bobblehead?
Why did you guys pick the Nationals to be the opposing team on the PCL night when they have absolutely no ties to the PCL whatsoever?
-They didn't necessarily "pick" the Nationals to be the opponent when they wear the '36 PCL uniforms on June 11th. They wanted a Saturday for that game and in relation to all the other promos it just happened to fall on that day. The Nationals will be wearing the '36 Washington Senator jerseys that night and on the night before (Friday June 10th) it will be the Salute to the Negro Leagues. So that weekend will be packed with history and as you know the Fro loves it some history, so I'm pretty excited for that weekend.
Will there be any other 75th Anniversary events/ceremonies/celebrations?
-Yes, and we will start seeing stuff as early as Opening Day.
I'm a #brownlover. When are you going to Bring Back the Brown?
-Good news #brownlovers! The Padres will be bringing it back this year!!.........for one game......and on the road.....oh. On the July 22nd game in Philadelphia, the Padres & Philles will go back in time for 80's retro night. The Padres will be wearing the Brown, Yellow & Orange '84 style jersey while the Phillies will be wearing the red pinstriped jersey with the big P logo. Said Garfinkel "I always like to see fans wearing brown and gold retro clothing and caps --- the brown and gold will always be an important part of Padres history and evoke great memories. I also like seeing the increase in the SD navy and white caps all around San Diego county."
Are you guys going to be doing anything with the Showley Brothers Candy Factory this season?
-The building is not "outfitted yet for everyday use" and will be used "selectively for the time being". So it looks like we'll have to wait another year to see if they ever decide to put a Padres Hall of Fame out there.
Trevor Hoffman is back in San Diego and is going to be honored this year. What does that entail? Statue? Retired number? Padres Hall of Fame? Encasing him in carbonite?
-I couldn't really get anything out of the Garf on this one, other than they are "honored to welcome him back" and would be "sharing more details soon." I'm guessing the Retired Number won't be happening this season. You need to give those things a couple years of retirement first. Statue? That's more for when he enters the MLB Hall of Fame. Padres Hall of Fame? Sure I can see that happening this season.
