Padres FanFest gets fans in the mood to play ball

With a beautiful winter day as the backdrop, countless fans turned out this past Saturday at Petco Park for the annual Padres FanFest. The event offered fans a morning and afternoon session.

Among the activities were a garage sale of Padres items, autographs, current players and leadership talking about the upcoming season, and more.

The event helped get fans in the mood for this upcoming season, a season where the Padres and their backers hope to go all the way.

Fans take to the field. No, the grass is not what it will look like in another month or so.

There were various attractions for families.

Mr. Padre is well represented at Petco Park.

One of the greatest relief pitchers in MLB history.

San Diego is coming off of a 93-69 season and a second-place finish in the National League West behind the champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres fell three games to two in a five-game playoff series with their rivals to the north.

With this season right around the corner, pitchers and catchers will report to camp in Peoria on Wednesday, Feb. 12. The team’s first full workout is slated for Monday, Feb. 17. San Diego will open exhibition play in Peoria on Friday, Feb. 21 versus Seattle.

The Padres kick off the regular season on March 27 when they play host to the Atlanta Braves at 1:10 p.m.

There will be plenty of exciting promotional giveaways again this season.

Among some of the promotions:

Friday, March 28 – vs. Atlanta – (Opening Series Hat)

Monday, March 31 – vs. Cleveland (Jackson Merrill Bobblehead)

Monday, April 14 – vs. Chicago Cubs (Aloha Shirt)

Tuesday, April 29 – vs. San Francisco (Tony Gwynn Rookie Bobblehead)

Wednesday, May 14 – vs. Los Angeles Angels (Reversible Retro Bucket Hat)

Tuesday, May 27 – vs. Miami Marlins (Military Hoodie)

Monday, June 23 – vs. Washington (Tatis Jr. Bat Flip Bobblehead)

Wednesday, July 9 – vs. Arizona (City Connect Straw Hat)

Tuesday, July 29 – vs. New York Mets (Sandless Beach Towel)