Kwanza Jones and Jose E. Feliciano were introduced as the San Diego Padres' new owners in an hour-long news conference at Petco Park that included a jersey presentation.
The husband-and-wife duo became just the 6th different ownership group since the franchise was founded in 1969.
Both chose jersey numbers with meaning. Feliciano selected 21 to honor Puerto Rican baseball legend and community leader Roberto Clemente. Jones chose double-zero.
"I could have done one, like 'we're #1'. But I did double zero, and one of the reasons is because there are zero limits that we have. Zero limits. And there are infinite possibilities," Jones said.
While Jones projected energy and confidence, Feliciano was more reserved — but both were clear in their message.
"We need to win the World Series. It's that simple. That's what we're going to do," Feliciano said.
"We are competitive. You don't get to do what we do unless you are competitive. It's important for all of you all to understand that. We want to win," Jones said.
The new owners also made clear their commitment to the San Diego community, invoking the memory of late owner Peter Seidler.
"We want to continue that legacy that, honestly, Peter left. To dream big. To do the impossible. The impossible becomes the possible when somebody does it. So let's do it," Feliciano said.
Baseball fans have been eager to know whether the new owners will spend on players the way Seidler did. While Feliciano said the Padres will need to live within their means, he indicated there are no plans to lower the franchise's payroll.
"We have been blessed with a team in a city that is supporting us in a way that is allowing us to invest back in that team in the stadium, and in the city. And we're committed to doing that," Feliciano said.
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