In recent seasons, the San Diego Padres have transformed from perennial underdogs to a formidable force in Major League Baseball, electrifying fans with their dynamic play and fierce rivalries. On this breakdown page, you’ll dive deep into the most exciting moments that define their journey, like Fernando Tatis Jr.’s controversial grand slam on a 3-0 count that sparked a heated debate about baseball’s unwritten rules, and the fiery exchanges between Tatis and Trevor Bauer that have added fuel to the Dodgers-Padres rivalry. We’ll also explore the lighter side of the game, such as that hilarious miscommunication between umpire Joe West and pitcher Madison Bumgarner, showcasing both the intensity and the quirks that make Padres baseball so captivating. Whether it’s thrilling highlights or unexpected antics, this is your go-to spot for everything Padres!
Most Popular San Diego Padres Breakdowns of All Time
Fernando Tatís Jr. apologizes for hitting a grand slam because of the unwritten rules
found himself at the center of baseball’s outdated “unwritten rules” after smashing a grand slam on a 3-0 count with the Padres up by seven in the eighth inning against the Rangers. The homer was his second of the game and gave him the MLB lead with 11. Instead of celebrating, Tatis drew criticism from Texas manager Chris Woodward and even from his own manager, Jace Tingler, who said he should have taken the pitch.
View count: 11,230,047 (last updated at conclusion of 2025 season).
Fernando Tatís Jr peeks at the sign before hitting a homer
Trevor Bauer and Fernando Tatis Jr. added another chapter to their brewing rivalry during a tense Dodgers-Padres matchup. Before the game, Bauer tweeted at Tatis, accusing him of sign-stealing and inviting him to “just ask” if he needed help.
View count: 5,054,570 (last updated at conclusion of 2025 season).
Madison Bumgarner doesn’t realize he struck out and Joe West got giddy
Giants game, veteran umpire Joe West and pitcher Madison Bumgarner had a strange but funny moment. The confusion started when West signaled a strike without saying it out loud, and Bumgarner, not looking at him, thought it was a ball. That mix-up threw off Bumgarner’s count.
View count: 4,164,389 (last updated at conclusion of 2025 season).
Umpires check pitcher’s ears for a foreign substance
Joe Musgrove dominated the Mets in a do-or-die playoff game, shutting them down through five innings. His spin rates were up across the board, and his velocity was higher than usual, which drew eyeballs. But what really caught everybody’s attention was his shiny ear.
View count: 3,134,147 (last updated at conclusion of 2025 season).
The Braves and Padres brawl multiple times in one game back in 1984
Things got out of control fast between the Braves and Padres in this infamous 1984 brawl-filled matchup. It all started when Braves pitcher Pascual Perez hit Padres leadoff man Alan Wiggins with the first pitch. Wiggins had annoyed the Braves the day before by bunting for hits, and Perez clearly wanted to send a message.
View count: 3,104,686 (last updated at conclusion of 2025 season).
The Latest San Diego Padres Breakdown Videos
- Red Sox scouting report vs. Padres was caught on camera, a breakdown
- Dave Roberts threatens someone on Padres then Shohei Ohtani gets hit with 100 MPH pitch, a breakdown
- Teams warned after Shohei Ohtani gets hit so Dave Roberts says new umps have no feel, a breakdown
- Base running blunder you’ve never seen costs the Braves a comeback vs. the Padres, a breakdown
- Fernando Tatis Jr. got ejected vs. Yankees so Padres manager Mike Shildt did too, a breakdown
- Umpires huddle up for a long time to confirm that the Padres reliever was balking, a breakdown
- Collision with Manny Machado results in two outs despite everyone asking for a balk, a breakdown
- Manny Machado throws ball at Dodgers dugout and fans throw trash at the Padres, a breakdown
- Fernando Tatis Jr sends Padres fans into a frenzy, a breakdown
- Dodgers hit into game-ending triple play with Shohei Ohtani on deck, a breakdown
- Jose Alvarado’s nail-biting save attempt, a breakdown
- Blake Snell and Manny Machado argue new rules, a breakdown
For the full list of San Diego Padres breakdowns, visit the San Diego Padres tag page.