Bill Center, longtime sportswriter for U-T San Diego, is an employee of the Padres.
The Padres are celebrating their 50th Anniversary in 2019 by saluting you -- the fan, the Friar Faithful.
That theme was on display during FanFest on Saturday at Petco Park as the Padres unveiled the logo in the Padres Hall of Fame at Petco Park.
The full-sized logo is a mosaic with the background being 1,500 photographs taken by fans celebrating their ties to the ballclub, which joined the National League in 1969. The fabric of the fan is woven into the logo designed to celebrate 50 seasons of Padres baseball.
The season-long, 50th Anniversary celebration will focus on the fans, the Friar Faithful, and their continued support. The fans and the San Diego community for 50 years have been an integral part of Padres history.
The mosaic logo unveiled on Saturday will be on display at Petco Park throughout the 2019 season. Meanwhile, the logo will also be featured on 50th Anniversary commemorative patches on the Padres' 2019 uniforms -- including three separate color schemes of the logo which will accompany each of the club's different looks this season.
The Padres have modernized and refined the classic Swingin' Friar logo to serve as the centerpiece of the design.
The logo design is inspired by the iconic San Diego Gaslamp Quarter sign, modeled after the mission heritage found in architecture throughout the city and county. The logo also pays homage to the number of landmark neighborhood signs located throughout San Diego.
Gold is also prominently featured as an outline surrounding the logo along with a "50" to commemorate the club's golden anniversary. The crown of the logo incorporates shapes reminiscent of the architectural features of Petco Park and the various arches found throughout San Diego.
The photo mosaic that accompanied the logo unveil at FanFest comprised numerous photos of fans, players, staff and partners of the organization as a visual unification of 50 years in our community. As part of the celebration, the Padres will highlight unique moments throughout the club's history during home games this season.
As part of the 50th Anniversary celebration, the Padres will also host dedicated Season Ticket Member events, special promotional giveaways and experiences, and a memorable 50th Anniversary Weekend at Petco Park. Also, in conjunction with local craft brewer Ballast Point, an exclusive Padres-themed beer will be created and available at the ballpark and throughout San Diego.
The 50th Anniversary logo is presented by Sycuan Casino & Resort. The club and the Padres Foundation have partnered with fellow community fixture, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, to express their gratitude and make a positive impact on the San Diego community through their 50th Anniversary.
As partners, Sycuan and the Padres Foundation, along with several local charities, will support charitable projects totaling over $1 million during 2019. Details regarding the specific projects and charitable partners will be announced prior to and throughout the 2019 season. For more information on the Padres' 50th anniversary initiatives, visit www.padres.com/50.