Tuesday’s death of Padres Chairman Peter Seidler brought an outpouring of love, respect and sadness among fans, San Diego community leaders and the baseball world.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria shared that he is “deeply saddened,” calling Seidler a “true visionary leader who had a deep love for the game of baseball and the Padres, and also an unwavering commitment to our city.”
“As Chairman of the Padres, he made the organization about so much more than baseball; he made the team an incredible community partner,” Gloria said in a statement. “Peter was perhaps best known for his great compassion for people experiencing homelessness, and everyone who worked with him will remember him for his kind and humble spirit.”
California state Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins posted a statement on social media saying that the Padres’ owner was a “dedicated leader for the Padres and represented the best of our community.”
San Diego County Supervisors chair Nora Vargas called Seidler a “pillar of our community, a generous soul, and a visionary leader.”
“His spirit and dedication to the Padres community and his profound impact on San Diego will forever be cherished,” said Vargas’ statement.
Some of San Diego’s other sports teams, including San Diego State University’s baseball team and hockey’s San Diego Gulls, joined the Padres in mourning the loss of its chairman.
“Our hearts go out to the Seidler family, the Padres organization and all San Diego sports fans. This city lost a champion today,” said an account belonging to the San Diego Sockers.
“The San Diego sports community is forever changed by his impact,” said an account for the San Diego Seals.
“Our thoughts are with Peter’s family, friends, and the entire Padres organization,” posted an account for San Diego Wave FC. “San Diego is with you.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have a familial connection to Seidler, posted about the loss. Seidler’s grandfather, mother and uncle were all owners of the Dodgers until 1998.
“The Dodgers wish to pay tribute to the life and work of Padres owner Peter Seidler. We know his loss will be deeply felt, and we send our most sincere condolences to the Seidler and O’Malley families,” said a tweet from the Dodgers’ main account.
Other teams in Major League Baseball were also online sharing condolences and kind words on Tuesday, including Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies, Miami Marlins, Colorado Rockies, San Francisco Giants and Washington Nationals.
San Diego sportscasting legend Ted Leitner tweeted his appreciation, thanking Seidler and adding, “Rest my friend.”
“For the rest of my days when I think of the joy of my #padres beating the Dodgers in the ‘22 playoffs I will think of him,” Leitner also wrote in the tweet. “And the happiness he brought to San Diego. How much he wanted to win for our city that he loved and that loved him.”
Broadcasters and radio hosts shared perspectives from their interactions with Seidler over the years.
Padres broadcaster Bob Scanlan called him the “one of most positive spirits I’ve ever encountered.”
“Peter was one of the kindest, most thoughtful men I’ve had the pleasure of meeting,” wrote Steven Woods, co-host of the Ben & Woods radio show on 97.3 The Fan.
Community organizations also responded to the news with condolences.
“Peter loved this city, and he cared deeply for all our neighbors in need,” said a social media post from Father Joes Villages. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude for his commitment to bettering our community.”
Fans shared photos and videos, personal memories and ideas for how to remember and celebrate the life of Seidler. The stadium was opened for mourners to gather, and one fan posted about a plan to hand out food and water around the stadium in Seidler’s honor.
Lifelong Padres fan Ryan Cohen posted that hoped a statue of “Papa Pete” is already in the works.
“Peter Seidler instilled a hope in San Diego that I will never forget. He made my hometown fall in love with baseball again,” Cohen posted. “An incredible man, even more so for his efforts away from this baseball team. To say he will be missed is a massive understatement.”
CBS News correspondent Major Garrett, a San Diego native and lifelong Padres fan, said he counts himself “among the lucky to have met and come to know Peter.”
“He was generous, curious and smart in all matters,” Garrett posted. I will miss him. All of San Diego will miss him. For many reasons. Yes, the Padres. But for so much more. Thank you. RIP.”
