1996 NLCS Run
The Padres have won two NL pennants, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both years.
The San Diego Padres are an American professional baseball team based in San Diego. The Padres compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) West Division. The team plays its home games at Petco Park in downtown San Diego. Founded in 1969 as an expansion franchise, the Padres adopted their name from the Pacific Coast League (PCL) team that arrived in San Diego in 1936. The name, Spanish for 'fathers', honors the friars of the Franciscan order who founded Mission San Diego de Alcalá in 1769.
Quick Facts
- Series result
- Lost to St. Louis Cardinals in 7 games
- Mvp candidate
- John Smoltz (NLCS MVP)
- Manager
- Bruce Bochy
- Home venue
- Jack Murphy Stadium
- Year
- 1996
- Opponent
- St. Louis Cardinals
Lore & Background
The Padres have won two NL pennants, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times. In 1984, under manager Dick Williams, the Padres clinched their first NL pennant, only to lose to the Detroit Tigers in the World Series in 5 games. In 1998, the Padres achieved their second NL pennant alongside Trevor Hoffman, only to be swept by the New York Yankees in the World Series.
Reader's Guide
The Padres are owned by José E. Feliciano & Kwanza Jones, who have owned the team starting in 2026. As of the 2025 season, the Padres have had 19 winning seasons in franchise history. Despite reaching the postseason six times from 2005 to 2025, the team has yet to return to the World Series.
Did You Know?
- In 1976, Randy Jones achieved the first Cy Young Award for the Padres.
- In 1995, Ken Caminiti became the first Padres player to win the MVP Award.
- The Padres are tied with the Milwaukee Brewers as the oldest teams never to have won the World Series.
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