The San Diego Padres have retired four numbers throughout their franchise history: 19 (Tony Gwynn), 51 (Trevor Hoffman), 31 (Dave Winfield), and 35 (Randy Jones). Each represents a defining era and a deep connection to the city’s baseball identity.
Tony Gwynn and the Legacy of Number 19
Tony Gwynn spent all 20 of his Major League seasons with the San Diego Padres (1982–2001). The Dominican-born right fielder won eight batting titles, earned a Gold Glove in 1986, and accumulated 3,141 hits, nearly all in a Padres uniform. His number 19 was retired in 2007, two years after his passing. Gwynn’s consistency was legendary: he never batted below .309 in a full season after his rookie year.
Trevor Hoffman: The Modern-Era Closer
Trevor Hoffman dominated the ninth inning for San Diego for 16 seasons (1993–2008). The American reliever recorded 601 career saves, third all-time in Major League Baseball. His number 51 was retired in 2012. Hoffman was instrumental in the Padres’ 1998 World Series run, where they faced the New York Yankees.
Dave Winfield: Power in Number 31
Dave Winfield played eight seasons with San Diego (1973–1980) and was an offensive cornerstone in the 1970s. The American outfielder hit more than 20 home runs in six of his eight seasons with the team and made six All-Star appearances. His number 31 was retired in 2001. Winfield won a World Series with the Yankees in 1992, but his San Diego legacy remains unmatched.
Randy Jones: The Ace of Number 35
Randy Jones was the Padres’ star pitcher in the 1970s, winning the Cy Young Award in 1976 with a 2.74 earned run average. The American pitcher led the National League in wins (22) that same year. His number 35 was retired in 2007. Jones was essential to building the team that reached the 1984 World Series.
A Rare Honor in Baseball
Retiring a number in Major League Baseball is an extraordinary act. The Padres have been selective: only four numbers hang in Petco Park, reflecting a franchise younger than teams with over a century of history. Each retirement marks a milestone and honors players who left an indelible mark on San Diego baseball. These four names represent the backbone of Padres tradition and continue to inspire fans across the region.
| Number | Player | Position | Years with Padres | Retirement Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | Tony Gwynn | Right Fielder | 1982–2001 | 2007 |
| 51 | Trevor Hoffman | Relief Pitcher | 1993–2008 | 2012 |
| 31 | Dave Winfield | Outfielder | 1973–1980 | 2001 |
| 35 | Randy Jones | Pitcher | 1973–1980 | 2007 |
FAQ
Why so few retired numbers for the Padres? The Padres were founded in 1969, nearly a century after teams like the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox. The franchise has been selective, retiring numbers only for players who transformed the organization and left a lasting legacy.
Could another number be retired soon? While there are no official announcements, some fans mention Adrian Gonzalez, who hit 30 home runs with San Diego in 2009. However, the Padres’ criteria remain exceptionally high.
Where can you see these retired numbers? At Petco Park, the Padres’ downtown stadium, the four retired numbers are displayed in the upper deck as a permanent tribute to these legendary players and their contributions to the franchise.
