Padres’ Veteran Explains Why He Grew Up a Yankee Fan in California

A Yankee fan from California?

Veteran infielder Tyler Wade is from Murrieta, California, not far from San Diego’s Petco Park. Though he’s in camp with the Padres as a non-roster invitee, he’s already fulfilled his childhood dream of playing for the team he rooted for growing up: The New York Yankees.

In an interview with Sam Levitt of 97.3 The Fan, Wade explained his unusual rooting interests:

“It’s kind of a weird story. I grew up 45 minutes from San Diego. There was a big tournament in New York, Cooperstown. As a kid I went there and toured Yankee Stadium. I met a bunch of players. We got super lucky. I was just 10 years old and I fell in love with that place. Obviously Derek Jeter was my favorite player. I was a Yankee fan growing up but going to Padre games as a kid. It’s a full circle moment.”

— Tyler Wade, via

Sam Levitt of 97.3 The Fan.

Tyler Wade spoke with @SammyLev about the opportunity he has to make the Padres, what stands out to him about this team and his earliest memories of growing up as a Padres fan and going to games: pic.twitter.com/ZuawwHkRNn

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) March 7, 2024

While he did not grow up rooting for the Padres, he did get to attend several Padres games growing up, and does have memories from those games.

“The very first thing I remember is seeing Khalil Greene run out. So that’s kind of what I remember: I remember sitting at Qualcomm (Park) in right-center field watching Khalil Greene go out there. It’s cool, man. It’s a great organization. I’m happy to be here.”

— Tyler Wade, via

Sam Levitt of 97.3 The Fan.

Although he was not a Padres fan growing up, Wade has reunited with the closest team to his home town in spring training after spending his career with the Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and Oakland Athletics. 

The 29-year-old is currently on a minor league contract with the Padres, hoping to help the major league team during the 2024 season.

So far through Cactus League action, Wade has eight hits, six runs, and three RBIs through 26 at-bats. With this kind of production, there's a shot Wade will factor into the Padres' efforts this year.