Dodgers News: LA issues statement on Padres owner's passing, 2024 Opening Day

Tuesday afternoon sent shockwaves throughout Major League Baseball when it was announced San Diego Padres owner Peter Seider had passed away at the age of 63. We'd be lying if we didn't admit the undisclosed medical procedure he underwent in September had fans concerned, especially knowing Seidler was a two-time cancer survivor.

Seidler was instrumental in helping get the Padres back to relevancy when he was part of the group that purchased the team back in 2012. Though San Diego hasn't seen a ton of success since then, there's still been a sort of buzz surrounding the city that there never has been before.

Prior to Seidler becoming owner (and eventually chairman), the Padres had made the playoffs just twice after their 1998 World Series appearance. They finished fourth or last in the NL West nine times from 1999-2012, only made the postseason twice, and registered just five winning records.

Seidler and Co. were tasked with cleaning up a mess, and it all turned around in 2020 when they made their first postseason appearance since 2006. Thought 2021 and 2023 were letdowns, the Padres' 2022 run to the NLCS (they defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers along the way) was certainly memorable.

Despite the organizational chaos under AJ Preller, the Padres have managed to represent a standard for teams looking to build a winner or remain the talk of the league rather than languish in nothingness. Seidler encouraged aggressive moves and spending. Not everything worked, but every fan appreciates going for it rather than sitting idly by.

The Dodgers honored Seidler in a statement Tuesday shortly after the news of his death was announced.

Dodgers News: LA issues statement on Padres owner's passing, 2024 Opening Day

Rest in peace to Seidler, who was also an inspiration off the field. All the best to the Padres and their fanbase as they go through a very difficult time.

The 2024 season was supposed to represent a clean slate for the Pads, and it's unfortunate Seidler won't be around for the potential positive changes. They're doing a bit of house cleaning this offseason in preparation of kicking off the 2024 campaign overseas.

The Dodgers and Padres, as it was reported a few months ago, will go head to head on Opening Day in South Korea, which will represent MLB's biggest international spectacle yet. We learned the date and start time this week, too.

Fans will get an early start to the year on March 20, but they will have to be awake and ready at 3:05 a.m. PST to catch the action.

Dodgers fans, at least, will have no excuse, especially if the team signs Shohei Ohtani. Can't miss the two-way star's Dodger debut that close to his home. The buzz will be incredible.

But we're so far from that reality. Keep your eyes peeled for the non-tender deadline this Friday. That's when everything will start moving.