The "Swinging Friar" is currently the mascot of the team. Some in the past have confused The Famous Chicken as the mascot of the Padres. Although he does make appearances occasionally at San Diego sporting events, he has never been the official mascot of any San Diego sports team
I am big on mascots and we have great one here with the San Diego Padres. Not only does he entertain , during Padres home games, he acts as an ambassador of the Padres often with the Pad Squad at commumity and private events.
Mascots, including our Swinging Friar, are usually beloved by the kids that go to baseball games around the country. Minor League team and even High Schools have their own mascot.
Many adults, like me, love the Friar as well. There is nothing like seeing a kid shine with he or she meets the Swinging Friar!
Sadly unlike many other MLB mascots the Swinging Friar does not have an active Twitter account. I am working on trying to convince Padres management to create one for him!
I would be remiss if I failed to mention the two Petco pet store's mascots that go around Petco Park during the games
(Far Left) Their names are Red Ruff and Blue Mew . As with the Swinging Friar it is so fun to watch excited kids, at the ballpark, snuggling up to Blue Mew and Red Ruff!
I think we adults owe the people inside these suits a bit ofgratitude for what they do and for wearing those things in the summer heat here in San Diego!