As the San Diego Padres prepare to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park, the rivalry between the two teams has never been more heated.
And it’s not only among the players, who exchanged some words with each other on the field and not only the two managers who had things to say and not only those fans at Dodger stadium, who threw baseballs and other things out onto the field near Padre players, but even the front offices.
The CEO of the Padres issuing a statement to fans at Petco Park reminding them, as he put it. “Our game is at its best when our players and fans give everything they have for their team and city while showing respect and sportsmanship towards players and fans of the opposing team.” And saying the MLB rules of conduct will be enforced.
Even the memories of the remarks by the late Padre owner Peter Seidler recalled by his family about wanting to beat “the dragon up north, i.e., the Dodgers and win a World Series are helping make this sports rivalry what it has become.
The City of San Diego itself has sometimes been cast as being in the unwanted shadow of the city of Los Angeles, so this rivalry is a real one in many ways.
And all of these happenings are likely getting Padres fans more amped up and even more ready to cheer on their team.
(Photo Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images