The Swinging Friar

The Swinging Friar

You have to love the Swinging Friar logo for the San Diego Padres.

Father Capistran Ferrito taking a swing at the plate (From the NY Tiimes), and no, he was not the inspiration for our Padres 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.

According to Bill Swank, in his book, "Baseball in San Diego: From the Padres to Petco," Hadaway was a Seaman Apprentice in 1961 when a superior told him about a contest being held by the Padres, who were looking for a mascot.

His chief chose two of Hadaway's designs and submitted them to the Padres on his behalf. Better known for his Western art, Hadaway said he was paid a nominal fee for his Padres sketches.

"The Swinging Friar belongs to the fans of San Diego," Hadaway said. "I think it's the neatest emblem for a baseball team. I wasn't in it for the money...I've always had a place in my heart for the Padres."

Today, the swinging friar remains one of the most iconic logos in baseball and the favorite in the hearts of many Padres fans. I have been able to actually find five different cards from recent years, graced with the Swinging Friar mascot.

                                                                                                   

These Friar cards include the 2012 Topps Opening Day; 2007 Topps Opening Day; 2012 Topps MLB Sticker; 2011 Topps Opening Day; and 2010 Topps Opening Day.

If there's any other Swinging Friar cards out there, I'd be intereted in seeing them.