Old guard, new challenge: Padres veterans find roles in a young man’s game
Club's quartet of players over age 35 know what it takes to make it
All Stories
Talking with … new Padres starter Nick Pivetta
The right-handed veteran talks about emigrating from Canada, finding his place in the big leagues and his new life in San Diego
Talking with … Padres newcomer Gavin Sheets
The Union-Tribune talks to Sheets about his hometown, role and, yes, that chant.
Talking with … Padres super-utility player Tyler Wade
Tyler Wade talks Murrieta, baseball, mental health and his dream destination in this Q&A with the Union-Tribune
Talking with … Padres infielder Jose Iglesias
The veteran infielder talks Cuba, music and baseball
Talking with … Padres pitcher Kyle Hart
The former KBO star talks about his return to the big leagues and one impressive opener
‘This is Jason’s city’: Padres will follow new teammate Heyward during Chicago off day
Padres players will accompany Jason Heyward to his baseball academy as they prepare for Friday's Wrigley Field opener
Former Padres All-Star Jurickson Profar in ‘great place’ as he starts Braves tenure
Veteran hoped to return to San Diego after a career year, but he signed with the Braves when talks with the Padres didn't work out
Padres fans wrestle with wasted season, look ahead – cautiously – to 2024
It was mid-September and hours before the deadline to renew when David Lautz made the decision to opt out of the Padres season tickets he had held for nearly three...
Fernando Tatis Jr.’s custom cleats cement his status as a baseball fashion icon
Fernando Tatis Jr. sprinted onto the turf at Chase Field sporting custom pink and white Jordan 1s on his feet.Known for wearing the color to honor his mom, the cleats...
Talking with … Padres closer, bow hunter and fake-skin-tatooer Josh Hader
Padres closer Josh Hader grew up in Millersville, MD., and was signed by the Baltimore Orioles in the 19thround of the 2012 draft. A year later, he was traded to...
Talking with … Padres pitcher, disc-golfer and Gentleman Seth Lugo
In December, the Padres signed right-hander Seth Lugo to a one-year deal that includes a player option for 2024. The 33-year-old Louisiana native was a walk-on at Centenary College —...
San Diego’s greatest showman: Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. shares, feels the love from right field
On a recent Friday night at Petco Park, 11-year-old Ysabella Diego was giving it everything she had.Ysabella and her younger sister Alexis stood on the right field rail for several...
Talking with … Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim (and translator Leo Bae, too)
Infielder Ha-Seong Kim signed a four-year contract with the Padres at the end of 2020, after the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korean Baseball Organization posted Kim for the majors. Since...
Gotta be the shoes: Southeastern San Diego schoolkid’s design comes to life, with help from Manny Machado
When Manny Machado hit his seventh and eighth home runs of the season in back-to-back days this week at Petco Park, he trotted the bases wearing fluorescent-colored cleats.That in itself...
Talking with … Padres sparkplug (and horse owner) Rougned Odor
The Padres signed Rougned Odor to a minor league contract in spring training, giving the veteran infielder an opportunity to compete for a bench job. A native of Venezuela, Odor...
Talking with … Padres rookie reliever and Bronx native Tom Cosgrove
Padres reliever Tom Cosgrove made his major league debut April 29 against the Giants after spending six seasons in the minor leagues. Cosgrove has yet to allow a run through...
Talking with … Padres designated hitter, salsa-maker and pitmaster Matt Carpenter
Designated hitter Matt Carpenter was signed to a one-year contract with the Padres over the offseason after a 2022 campaign saw him hit .305/.412/.727 with 15 home runs in 47...
Talking with … Padres designated hitter (and aspiring first baseman?) Nelson Cruz
Nelson Cruz signed a one-year contract with the Padres in January, making him the second oldest player in the major leagues. The 42-year-old outfielder and designated hitter is in his...
Talking with … Padres first baseman Jake Cronenworth
Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth signed a seven-year, $80 million contract three days into the 2023 season, ostensibly keeping him with the Padres through 2030. Drafted out of college by the...
Watch this: Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove presents Padres teammates with timepieces on opening day
In 2020, Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove bestowed San Diegans with the organization’s first no-hitter. A year later, he gifted the team — and fans — priceless moments with his Polaroid...
With an assist from Kawhi Leonard, Joe Musgrove and the Padres Aztecs at Petco Park
It may be opening week for the Padres, but baseball jerseys aren’t the only ones players are sporting at Petco Park.El Cajon native Joe Musgrove sported a San Diego State...
Die-hard Padres fans say stacked roster, sky-high expectations are ‘surreal’ – and worth celebrating
Lifelong Padres fan Scott Randall always knew baseball to be a world of haves and have-nots.The New York Yankees? Have. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox? Haves.San Diego?...
Manny Machado knows what will keep him playing for another decade: ‘You gotta invest in your body’
PEORIA, Ariz. — A half-hour after the sun rose on a clear, cold spring training morning, Manny Machado walked into the Padres clubhouse at the Peoria Sports Complex.A short while later, Machado...
Padres surprise schoolkids, first responders, military as part of Friday caravan
The kindergartners at George Dewey Elementary School sat cross-legged on the carpet and stared curiously at their guests.Five-year-old Bella tilted her head and raised her hand.“Why are you here?” she...
Eyeing a comeback season, Fernando Tatis Jr. submerges himself for sanctuary, strength
It's a little after 9 a.m. on a January morning and Joe Musgrove is floating face down, motionless in the deepest part of a giant swimming pool.Five feet away, Fernando...
Padres’ Blake Snell gets a 96-year-old grandma into Petco Park for NLCS
At 96 years old, Berta Morrill still enjoys margaritas — light on the alcohol, heavy on the salt and tajín rim — and bowling. She makes tamales from scratch every...
New York or bust for Padres’ families too
The group texts started fast and furious when the magic number reached six.There were pictures of tracksuits, custom jerseys and beanies. There were t-shirts, flannel tops and jackets. Outfit ideas...
Padres hoping for champagne celebration Sunday at Petco Park
The hats and T-shirts lay neatly folded inside boxes, hidden from players. Only clubhouse attendants knew what they were.The gear meant to commemorate a postseason berth had arrived in early...
Talking with … Wil Myers, the longest-tenured Padre
In each of Wil Myers’ first five seasons with the Padres, the team finished last or next-to-last in the National League West. As the franchise has added superstar players, there...
Talking with … Padres pitcher Nick Martinez
Right-hander Nick Martinez signed a four-year, $25.5 million deal with the Padres this past offseason. He made his major league debut in 2014 with the Texas Rangers, where he worked...
Talking with … Padres reliever Steven Wilson
Reliever Steven Wilson made his major league debut in the third game of the season, pitching a scoreless seventh inning in a win against the Arizona Diamondbacks. After a strong...
Talking with … Padres first baseman Josh Bell
First baseman Josh Bell was packaged into the deal that sent him and outfielder Juan Soto to the Padres at the trade deadline. Now in his seventh major league season,...
Talking with … Padres pitcher Sean Manaea
Left-handed pitcher Sean Manaea spent his first six MLB seasons under Bob Melvin in Oakland, before the Athletics traded him to the Padres a few weeks into Spring Training, where...
Padres starting rotation works and plays together, succeeds at both
In late June, with the Padres leading the Diamondbacks 10-3 in the ninth inning at Petco Park, pitcher Nick Martinez — trying to force an out at second base —...
Talking with … Padres outfielder Nomar Mazara
Veteran outfielder Nomar Mazara did not break camp with the Padres, and instead was optioned to Triple-A El Paso before being called up in early June. With starting right fielder...
Talking with … Padres outfielder Jose Azocar
Rookie outfielder José Azocar initially made the roster out of spring training as a defensive replacement, but has slowly earned more playing time, in part due to his production at...
Talking with … Padres reliever Craig Stammen
In his 13th season in the major leagues, reliever Craig Stammen has a career 3.63 ERA and a 1.229 WHIP, demonstrating the longevity and consistency he’s sustained during his time...
Talking with … Padres reliever Nabil Crismatt
In his first full big-league season, right-hander Nabil Crismatt pitched the second-most innings of any Padres reliever last year, just behind Craig Stammen. The 27-year-old Colombia native is at it...
Talking with … Padres left fielder Jurickson Profar
Before cooling off on the last road trip, Jurickson Profar jumped off to a hot start in 2022. He led the Padres in home runs while playing almost every day...
Talking with … Padres closer Taylor Rogers
Hours before the Padres opened the season two weeks ago in Arizona, they made a trade with Minnesota, acquiring left-handed reliever Taylor Rogers and corner outfielder Brent Rooker in exchange...
Talking with … Padres DH Luke Voit
Padres designated hitter/first baseman Luke Voit was traded by the New York Yankees to the Padres shortly after the start of spring training. Voit, a right-handed hitter who led the...
Padres pitchers ready for spring training thanks to unique Poway backyard
POWAY — Clad in a Grateful Dead tie-dye T-shirt and blue shorts, Padres starting pitcher Mike Clevinger shifted his feet in the grass at a Poway park before lifting his left leg...
Padres pitchers ready for spring training thanks to work in unique Poway backyard
POWAY — Clad in a Grateful Dead tie-dye T-shirt and blue shorts, Padres starting pitcher Mike Clevinger shifted his feet in the grass at a Poway park before lifting his left leg...
Weddle will take over as Rancho Bernardo High football coach in 2023
Several weeks ago, Eric Weddle said on a national podcast that he had interviewed for a football job in the Poway Unified School District. Saturday, it became clear what job...
Weddle will take over as Rancho Bernardo High football coach in 2023
Several weeks ago, Eric Weddle said on a national podcast that he had interviewed for a football job in the Poway Unified School District. Saturday, it became clear what job...
New chain brings even more swag to Padres
The Padres’ latest installment of swag, a large, gold-plated chain with a spinning “SD” emblazoned in semi-precious stones, showed up Saturday night hanging off catcher Austin Nola’s neck. Based off...
Los Padres inauguran mural de Joe Musgrove en Grossmont High School
EL CAJÓN — Las llamadas comenzaron alrededor de la tercera entrada del viernes cuando Darryl Mendoza, director de relaciones con los aficionados de los Padres, notó que el lanzador inicial Joe Musgrove...
Padres unveil Joe Musgrove no-hitter mural at Grossmont High School
EL CAJON — The calls started around the third inning Friday when Darryl Mendoza, Padres director of fan engagement, noticed starting pitcher Joe Musgrove was having little trouble retiring Texas Rangers batters.“I...
Padres unveil Joe Musgrove no-hitter mural at Grossmont High School
EL CAJON — The calls started around the third inning Friday when Darryl Mendoza, Padres director of fan engagement, noticed starting pitcher Joe Musgrove was having little trouble retiring Texas Rangers batters.“I...
Padres commission Joe Musgrove mural at Grossmont High School
EL CAJON — A mural of Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove is being painted at Grossmont High School in honor of the no-hitter he pitched Friday night at Globe Life Field in Arlington,...
San Diego celebrates Joe Musgrove’s no-hitter
When Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove began flirting with history Friday night at Globe Life Field in Texas, his family was sitting in the living room of the El Cajon...
Fernando Tatis Jr. gives San Diego a sports hero, especially the kids
Ryan James Tatis Church was born at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa to 27-year-old parents Hope Fermil and Cody Church, one hour after the Padres beat the Cardinals in...
Padres’ wives, girlfriends ready to take on Texas in postseason bubble
Yellow, green and white streamers decorated a hotel ballroom Sunday night in suburban Dallas. Balloons flanked a table holding individually wrapped chocolate cupcakes. A familiar tune rang out.“Happy birthday to...
Padres rally around clubhouse assistant after by surgery
Having worked for the Padres for 20 seasons, clubhouse assistant James Bigler expected to be back at the ballpark for the start of summer camp until he went to see...
Best views of Padres games in 2020 come from high above Petco Park
When Tony DeSantis moved into his two-bedroom downtown condo overlooking Petco Park, he never thought that a year later, he would be part of a small group able to watch...
Padres’ Taylor Trammell speaking out against racial injustice
In 2016, when then-NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice, Taylor Trammell watched, confused.Now a top Padres prospect, Trammell...
VIDEO: Chargers fans one year later, in their words
AILEEN: I left the NFL completely after the Chargers relocated Carlsbad resident Aileen Burns, a former San Diego Chargers season-ticket holder, left the NFL completely after the Chargers relocated to...
Chargers leave San Diego: A timeline of 2017
Jan. 11, 2017: News breaks on Twitter that the Chargers are moving to Los Angeles.TweetJan. 12: The Chargers officially announce their move to Los Angeles through a letter posted on...
With Newton and reporter, did we condemn sexism but excuse racism?
I am a white, female sports journalist. I relate more with Jourdan Rodrigue, the Charlotte Observer reporter who found herself thrust into the national spotlight Wednesday, than I do with...
Padres score with first ‘Summer Blood Drive’
When the Chargers announced in January they would move their franchise from San Diego to Los Angeles, Tom Seidler, senior vice president of community and military affairs for the Padres,...
After 37 years, Chargers’ ‘Cannon Man’ will not go to Los Angeles
Tierrasanta resident Ron Dixon had a routine.Ten times a year, when the Chargers would play their home games, he would wake up, eat breakfast, get dressed and pack his hats...
Goodbye, San Diego Chargers
I spent Friday, January 13th, curled up in the fetal position on my couch, tears streaming down my face.It was not where I expected myself to be.Just 24 hours before,...
Despite injuries, Chargers RB Melvin Gordon is still giving back
United States Navy mechanic Jose Camacho sometimes has trouble getting his younger son, Jose Jr., to do those things that parents tell their kids to do.You know: Exercise, eat right,...
Chargers safety Stuckey shops with kids from Armed Services YMCA
Nine-year-old David Reyes stood in front of racks of holiday gifts, his fingers moving down the rows until, sure-handed, he plucked a rectangular box of wooden puzzles from the middle...
Chargers sign Novak
The Chargers signed kicker Nick Novak on Friday, after Nate Kaeding cut practice short because of a groin injury, a source said.Novak was on the team's flight to Kansas City...
10 Questions with Darren Balsley
Q: Have you ever seen something like the injuries this team experienced this year, with the pitching staff?A: No. That’s the best answer I can give you. This is my...
Ten questions with Jerry Coleman
Q: For anyone who hasn’t heard the story yet ... How did you get your start in baseball?A: Well, in 1941 the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. I was a senior...
10 questions with Casey Kelly
Q: You were actually a QB in high school and you were offered a scholarship from the University of Tennessee ... at the same time, you were drafted for baseball....
Golfing with Takeo Spikes
Golfing with Takeo Spikes (Overtime With Annie)
10 questions with Nina Detrow
Q: What do you do as a ball girl?A: We get the foul balls and we give them to the fans. Our number one job is to keep the game...
Ten questions with Padres’ Tom Layne
Q: You're from St. Louis. Is that still home for you?A: Yes, St. Louis is still home. Hopefully will always be home. I come from a big family, I'm one...
10 questions with Everth Cabrera
Q: When you first started playing baseball, in Nicaragua, I heard you used a tennis ball, right?A: Yes. Most Latin guys did. They played with anything they could find. I...
10 questions with Eddy Rodriguez
Let's talk about your road to the big leagues. You're in Single-A Lake Elsinore, the next day you're on a flight to Cincinnati to a major league team. What...
Ten questions with Dale Thayer
Question: So when you leave the ballpark every night, you drive home to Murrieta?Answer: Yes. It’s about an hour. It’s a nice time to wind down.Q: Out of high school,...
10 questions with Edinson Volquez
Q: What was it like growing up in the Dominican Republic?A: It was good for me because my mom and dad always took care of me. I started playing baseball...
10 questions with Jason Marquis
Q: What was it like growing up in Staten Island?A: Other than the fast pace, the neighbors on top of you, I can't imagine it being any different than many...
Chargers rookies Kendall Reyes, Edwin Baker visit Sea World
Defensive end Kendall Reyes, running back Edwin Baker and reporter Annie Heilbrunn visit Sea World to see more of San Diego and talk about life as a rookie.
Ten Questions with Alex Hinshaw
Q: You grew up just a few hours from here. What’s it like to be back?A: It’s a blessing to be back in San Diego. Growing up pretty near here,...
Ten Questions with Joe Wieland
Q: How has this process been, since going on the (disabled list)?A: It’s been a little frustrating. It’s the only time I’ve been on the DL. It’s definitely different not...
Ten Questions with Ross Ohlendorf
Q: Sporting News named you the third-smartest professional athlete. What do you think about that?A: It was exciting. I don’t really know the criteria they used, but it was neat...
Ten questions with Justin Hatcher
Q: Everybody calls you Hatch. Does anyone call you Justin anymore?A: No. If someone says Justin, I don’t even answer. If you’re my true friend, it’s Hatch.Q: You grew up...
Ten questions with Logan Forsythe
Q: What was it like growing up in Memphis? Did you ever go to Graceland?A: I can’t going to Graceland. Most people from Memphis don’t really go to Graceland...
Philip Rivers 5K is Saturday
Philip Rivers talks about his foundation, Rivers of Hope, with the same ion he exudes on the football field.The father of six is intent -- along with his wife, Tiffany...
Ten questions with Yasmani Grandal
Q: How did you find out you were coming to the big leagues?A: There were a couple of weird things going on. I went in for my workout and my...
Life on the road can be fun, but it’s neither restful nor luxurious
Editor’s note: U-T San Diego videographer Sharon Annie Heilbrunn spent some of this road trip following the Padres. See her videos at UTSanDiego.com For more updates, follow her on Twitter:...
After tour of Wrigleyville, it was time for some real Chicago pizza
CHICAGO — Monday was my first experience at Wrigley Field, and I got there super early, so when I first walked through it was empty and quiet. I pretty much had all...
Down time can mean strum time for a few Padres players, staff
NEW YORK — Saturday brought another serious downpour in New York City, which killed my plans of going to Ground Zero with a few players after the game. So, I learned a...
Trip to Fan Cave precedes trip to park; getting there half the fun
NEW YORK — Editor’s note: U-T San Diego videographer Sharon Annie Heilbrunn is following the Padres through New York and Chicago. She will be filing reports for the newspaper and numerous videos...
Rainy, muggy day doesn’t help hair, but does aid bats
NEW YORK — I’m in New York City, on part of the Padres’ 10-day road trip, to see what life is like for professional baseball players on the road. I’ll be following...
LT to host camp in San Marcos
Former Charger running back LaDainian Tomlinson was in town recently to speak at Junior Seau's "Celebration of Life" and afterward talked ionately about his football camp."I really believe these...
Ten questions with Anthony Bass
Meet Anthony BassQ: You’re from Michigan. Is there anything you miss about Michigan?A: My family. Besides that, I’ll leave the snow and the cold to Michigan. Q: Growing up, were...
10 Questions with Carlos Quentin
Meet Carlos QuentinQ: Coming back to your hometown — it can be awesome, it can be distracting. What is it for you?A: I think it’s the best opportunity for me...
Ten Questions with Nick Hundley
Meet The Padres: Nick HundleyQ: Since you came into the big leagues in 2008, what are you most proud of?A: I think the biggest thing for me is handling the...
Ten Questions with John Baker
Q: You’re from Alameda. What’s it like to be back in your home state?A: It’s been kind of a dream come true for me. I used to joke, when I...
Ten Questions with Mark Kotsay
Q: You’re making your second stint with the Padres, the first one about 10 years ago. I heard a rumor that you would call the Padres every offseason to see...
Flutie’s back … sorta.
A Flutie is back on the Chargers roster.Only instead of throwing es on the field, this Flutie is performing high kicks and shaking pom-poms.Former Chargers quarterback Doug Flutie's daughter, Alexa,...
Ten Questions with Andy Parrino
Q: You went to Le Moyne College. Do a lot of players ask you where that is?A: Yeah, a lot of them think it’s in Iowa somewhere, but it’s in...
Ten questions with Yonder Alonso
Q: Your dad was a baseball coach in Cuba, so you grew up with a bat in your hand. What was baseball like in Cuba?A: It was a little bit...
Ten questions with Huston Street
Get to know Huston StreetQ: Is there a story behind your name?A: No story. I’m sorry.Q: That’s kind of boring.A: Blame my parents. I didn’t have a choice. I mean,...