The Padres' commitment to revive its once floundering
franchise is examined by Peter Gammons in the BOSTON GLOBE.
Though they are under pressure to build a new stadium, Gammons
writes Owner John Moores "is operating in the inverse of most
current sports owners, who make their demands before even
considering that they have to build a credible business" by
ensuring that his franchise is healthy before concentrating on a
new building. Padres President & CEO Larry Lucchino:
"Ownership is very important. There has to be not only the
perception that there is a serious commitment to winning, but
there has to be a sense of kinship between the fans and the
owner." To that end, both Moores and Lucchino often mingle with
fans in ticket lines "shaking hands and giving out schedules."
While the Padres drew only 15,000 for their second game in '96,
last year's Game No. 2 drew 7,000 (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/14). CNN's
"Baseball 96" also looked at the Padres' revitalization. Moores:
"There's a little bit of a sour taste in my mouth for stepping
into, frankly, problems that someone else had created, but it
made it possible for me to be part of this and so, I don't feel
all that bad about it." Padres OF Tony Gwynn, on the lack of fan
support in the past few years: "It was like being at rock
bottom. ... From a player's perspective, it absolutely sucked."
One promotion the club has used this season to bring back the
fans is to have Padres players greeting them at the Jack Murphy
Stadium exits as they leave home games, handing out souvenirs and
encouraging their return (CNN, 4/13).
