(April 8 marks the 50th anniversary of the first major league game in Padres history. To commemorate the occasion, the Union-Tribune is producing a nine-part series on memorable debuts through the years. Today: Chapter Nine ... In the beginning)
San Diego became a major league city 50 years ago today when the Padres took the field against the Houston Astros.
While joining the National League after 33 seasons as a minor league team competing in the Pacific Coast League created some excitement, the fans also were realistic abut the expansion team’s prospects in its first season.
Hanging from a San Diego Stadium balcony before the team’s debut that night was a sign that read:
“Wait Till Next Year.