The Swinging Friar has been an integral part of the Padres since as early as 1958, when the team was part of the Pacific Coast League, a minor league baseball organization. Named after the Spanish Franciscan friars who founded Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the mascot represents the historical roots of the city. When the Padres joined Major League Baseball in 1969, they retained the beloved Friar, who even featured on the team emblem until 1984. However, a desire for a more “professional” image led the owners to adopt a corporate logo. In 1996, the Swinging Friar made a comeback as a sleeve patch on the club’s blue alternate jerseys and has remained a constant presence despite subsequent changes to the team’s logo and colors.
Character and Traditions
The Swinging Friar is a cheerful, cartoon-like figure with a pudgy build, bald head, and perpetual smile. Dressed in traditional friar attire—tonsure, sandals, dark hooded cloak, and a rope belt—he embodies the spirit of the Padres. Known for swinging a baseball bat, the Friar has displayed both left and right-handed swings over the years, suggesting he may be ambidextrous. On Sundays, he dons a special camouflage cloak to honor San Diego’s military heritage, a tradition mirrored by the team’s uniforms. Additionally, the Friar rings a mission bell at home games following a Padres win, celebrating the team’s victory with the fans.
From Live Representation to Costume
Initially, the Swinging Friar was portrayed by a live person dressed in a friar costume. Since his reintroduction, he has been depicted as a full-fledged mascot costume, engaging fans with his lively antics and endearing persona.
The San Diego Chicken Confusion
It’s a common misconception that The San Diego Chicken is the official mascot of the Padres. While the Chicken does appear at various San Diego sporting events, he has never held the official mascot title for any San Diego sports team.
