SAN DIEGO — San Diego Padres Chairman and Owner Peter Seidler passed away Tuesday in San Diego, according to the team.
The Padres made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) saying Seidler died in San Diego and was 63 years old.
In a press release, Padres CEO Erik Greupner said, “the Padres organization mourns the passing of our beloved Chairman and owner, Peter Seidler.”
“Today, our love and prayers encircle Peter’s family as they grieve the loss of an extraordinary husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Peter was a kind and generous man who was devoted to his wife, children, and extended family.” Padres CEO Erik Greupner said.
“He also consistently exhibited heartfelt compassion for others, especially those less fortunate. His impact on the city of San Diego and the baseball world will be felt for generations," continued Greupner. "His generous spirit is now firmly embedded in the fabric of the Padres. Although he was our Chairman and owner, Peter was at his core a Padres fan. He will be dearly missed.”
The Padres will open the Home Plate Gate at Petco Park beginning Tuesday afternoon for those who wish to gather to pay their respects. Free parking will be available at Tailgate Lot.
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement saying, "I am deeply saddened by the news of Peter's passing. Peter grew up in a baseball family, and his love of the game was evident throughout his life. He was passionate about owning the Padres and bringing the fans of San Diego a team in which they could always take pride. Peter made sure the Padres were part of community solutions in San Diego, particularly with the homeless community. He was an enthusiastic supporter of using the Padres and Major League Baseball to bring people together and help others.
"On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to Peter's wife Sheel and their family, his Padres colleagues and the fans of San Diego."
Mayor Todd Gloria issued a statement Tuesday and said:
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Peter Seidler.
“Peter was a true visionary leader who had a deep love for the game of baseball and the San Diego 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. 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.
“San Diego lost a truly special person today, but our city is a better place because of him. Our entire city mourns his passing, and we extend our hearts to his family and the entire Padres organization.”