Mickelson joins group trying to buy Padres

DUBLIN, Ohio (AP) — Phil Mickelson wants to be more than just a fan of the San Diego Padres. He wants to help buy the team.

Mickelson said Monday he has a joined one of the five groups trying to buy the team from John Moores, the Padres’ majority owner for the last 18 years. Mickelson is part of the group that includes four grandchildren of former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Walter O’Malley — Kevin and Brian O’Malley, and their cousins Peter and Tom Seidler, the chief executive of Class A Visalia Rawhide.

“I’ve been talking to them about being involved with them, having an opportunity to invest in the team and being part of the ownership group,” Mickelson said. “I think it’s a very good investment opportunity. More than that, it’s opportunity to be involved in the community in San Diego, with something that gives the community a sense of pride. I feel like we can make the Padres a competitive team that can contend year in and year out.

“It’s something I’ve loved since I was a kid.”

The San Diego Union-Tribune first reported Mickelson’s involvement, a four-time major champion who was recently inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

San Diego’s biggest baseball star — another lefty — is involved in another group trying to buy the Padres. Tony Gwynn said last week he is joining the bid led by Thomas Tull, chairman and CEO of Legendary Entertainment.

Asked about his proposed investment, Mickelson said only that it would be “a lot,” and that it would be a “significant investment opportunity.”

Tags: sports, golf, baseball