Padres to celebrate 40th anniversary

SAN DIEGO -- The Padres unveiled their specially designed 40th anniversary logo on Thursday to celebrate a historic milestone for the franchise.

The logo will be displayed on a uniform patch and sewn into three of the Padres' four jerseys -- home, away and the alternate blue tops. The logo will also be featured prominently in 2009 in advertising for the team, promotional materials and throughout PETCO Park.

The Swinging Friar is at the center of the logo. The Friar's origins predate the Major League Padres, debuting as the official insignia of the Pacific Coast League Padres in 1961. The image, originally sketched by San Diego High graduate Carlos Hadaway, was utilized by the team from 1969-1984 and, after a break, since 1995.

Former Padres Dave Winfield, now an executive vice president and senior advisor, and Randy Jones, as well as president and CEO Dick Freeman were among those out on Thursday to talk about the 40th anniversary of the team.

The Padres also announced their promotional lineup for 2009, which will include 40 promotional dates, 13 fireworks shows and three weekends recognizing the 40th anniversary: The 1969 Inaugural Season Weekend (April 24-26 vs. Pittsburgh), the 1984 National League Champions 25-Year Anniversary Weekend (May 22-24 vs. Chicago Cubs) and the Padres Hall of Fame Weekend (Aug. 7-9 vs. New York Mets).

During the season, the Padres will ask fans to relive great moments in club history with the "Celebrating 40 Years of Padres Memories" promotion. Beginning in March, selected memories sent in by fans will be posted on padres.com. Winners will receive a prize package that includes game tickets and autographed items.