The San Diego Padres’ new owners, Jose E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones, are officially sworn in.

In their first public appearance since MLB owners unanimously approved their ownership, the couple spoke to the press directly about their goals and hopes for their tenure.

The conference touched on a lot of things: their view of the San Diego community, how they view the investment itself, and above all else, their commitment to winning. Additionally, the conference also gave everyone a chance to gauge the new owners as people.

Kwanza Jones and Jose E Felicano, on the surface, appear like opposites but mesh together smoothly. Jones made grand gestures, even opening the afternoon with an original Padres-themed song she arranged herself. Felicano was more calculated and reserved, displaying a controlled enthusiasm. Jones acknowledged this dichotomy almost immediately, jokingly asking the crowd how they think “this” works; the “this” referring to their relationship.

To begin, Jones and Feliciano emphasized viewing sports as not just an outlet for entertainment, but as social glue. Something that unites local communities and brings people together. The couple made every attempt to ingratiate themselves into the San Diego and Baja communities, using words like “we” and “us” fluidly. Both parties underscored the small but mighty nature of the San Diego social landscape- the breadth of communities and its unique status as a border city. They see sports ownership as an opportunity to foster that community and create an impact outside baseball.

Before they even became the official owners, several concerns arose regarding future investments and how the couple ultimately wanted to run the organization. The couple acknowledged that previous years’ spending is ultimately what put San Diego back on people’s radar.  However, they stressed a desire to invest in the team aggressively but intelligently. Both see the Padres as an investment they want to keep long-term. Jones spoke of “dreaming in decades,” signifying a multi-generational approach to their tenure with the Padres. They highlighted their commitment to keeping the organization healthy now and for years to come. While they admitted there are multiple ways that could play out, they maintained the club would be set up for success, as they see it.

Feliciano himself referenced his co-ownership of the Premier League team Chelsea F.C.  through his private equity firm Clearlake Capital as being vastly different than that of the Padres. The Padres are a personal investment.

Feliciano spoke in plain language: “It’s much more than a financial investment…”

The clearest message throughout the conference was the couple’s commitment to winning. “We are all in,” said Jones. They seemed to understand the importance of winning and how winning often is the strongest connective tissue in sports communities. Feliciano noted that he’s been a lifelong baseball fan, and Jones herself played Division I track and field while at Princeton.

“We are competitive….please understand how competitive we are,” said Jones.

San Diego has had a long and complicated relationship with winning. At times, a championship for the franchise has seemed like an impossible feat. However, that fact is what made the Padres such an attractive franchise for the couple.

Jones said as much to SDUT’s Kevin Acee in a prior interview, “So why San Diego? Because it is an exciting opportunity to do what no one else has been able to do.”

Kwanza Jones and Jose E. Feliciano are the next step in a long line of Padres shifting control people. It’s been nearly three years since former owner Peter Siedler passed away, effectively transferring ownership to his family.  Jones and Feliciano referenced Peter’s legacy as something they wanted to carry and protect. At its core, the mission remains the same; the goal is to bring San Diego its first championship.

Three days into their new ownership, the Padres are currently undefeated, but still embroiled in a volatile playoff race. As the season nears its end, the club still has a chance to make good on their initial promise.

Fabian Garcia