Padres statement on MLB approval of franchise sale to the Seidler/O'Malley families and Ron Fowler

SAN DIEGO – Major League Baseball approved the sale of the San Diego Padres from John Moores to the group led by the Seidler/O’Malley families and Ron Fowler during its quarterly meetings in Denver, Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced today. Mr. Fowler will serve as the control person for the group.

“We are grateful to have completed a significant step in the sale process,” Mr. Fowler said following the vote today in Denver. “On behalf of the Seidler and O’Malley families, I would like to thank the Commissioner and MLB owners for their vote of trust.  We want to thank San Diego fans for their patience and support as we await the final closing.”

“We are excited to be one step closer to continuing our families’ deep baseball tradition, and especially excited to be doing it in San Diego," Peter Seidler said.  "We feel a sincere responsibility to support the franchise in a manner that will make the Padres’ loyal fans proud of our organization and, most importantly, proud of the ball club on the field."

No further statements will be made, nor will a press conference be held, until the final closing of the sale, which will occur on or before August 31, 2012.