April 18, 1962 Original script The 1962 Pacific Coast League season got off to a rousing start last night at Westgate Park as the 1962 edition of the San Diego Padres hosted last years PCL champions the Tacoma Giants. New Padres manager Don Heffner was introduced to the fans by Al Schuss and Tacoma skipper Red Davis made his ’62 debut at the Mission Valley ball yard. The visiting Giants were introduced individually to the near capacity throng…and then the new Padres made their appearance in the spotlight…these are the players we hope will bring the Pennant to Padre town…(they did!) The Marine Color Guard marches to center field for the flag raising as Coady’s Frontier Band plays our national anthem. The men in blue make their grand entrance to the usual chorus of boos…the Padres scurry onto the field and it’s play ball. The first pitch of the season by Jim Maloney to Jose Cardenal—strike—and Jim starts the season in spectacular fashion by whiffing the side on eleven pitches in the first inning. The first Padre batter short stop Chico Ruiz facing Dan Rivas—a ball…then Chico gets the first Padre hit---a screaming double to right center…giving the fans hope for an early rally—but it failed to materialize…and the Padres were nipped in the opener—2-1. But don’t you fear…this is a good ball club…still the pick of the league.