A vocal minority of Padres fans has the team seriously considering returning to brown uniformsGETTY IMAGES
The Padres likely will be "wearing brown uniforms" in '20 following the results of a recent fan survey, according to Nick Canepa of the SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE. Padres Exec Chair Ron Fowler said, "If I were a betting man, I'd say we're in brown uniforms in 2020." He added, "We've done a lot of research. Brown may be the minority, but it's the most vocal minority and the largest minority -- greater than blue and the old Pacific Coast League uniforms." Canepa notes Fowler "hasn't backed away from his dislike" of the brown uniforms that were predominantly worn in the '70 and '80s, and he "held out as long as he could." Fowler: "It's what the fans want. The reality is we want people to be passionate about the team and they are passionate about brown. ... We did listen to the fans when it came to improving the ballpark too. People wanted certain things, and we did them. There are more events at [Petco Park], more concerts. We've taken care of Petco" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 1/11).
HISTORY LESSON: In San Diego, Jeff Sanders noted the Padres on Saturday will officially unveil their 50th anniversary logo at the team's FanFest at Petco Park, though an image of a "classic Swinging Friar set against a large '50,' apparently pulled from a toy manufacturer box, has already leaked online." The FanFest is free, and those in attendance will be able to "run the bases, throw off the mound in the visitor's bullpen and field fly balls in the outfield." Autograph sessions with "various current and former Padres and broadcasters will take place at three designated locations" around the ballpark (SANDIEGOUNIONTRIBUNE.com, 1/10).
