Peter Seidler is trying to finish the job that Ray Kroc began

The Padres outspent 24 other teams each of the past two seasons. Peter Seidler has won over the hearts and credit cards of locals. The team's home attendance of 2.987 million last year placed fifth. Ray Kroc bought the team in 1974 and increased spending. The first winning season came in 1978. He was worth a reported $500 million. His splashy moves for Rollie Fingers and Gene Tenace contributed to the first win. Houston is headed to their third World Series in five years. This year's attendance is expected to exceed the franchise-record of 3.016 million set in Petco Park’s debut season of 2004.