The longstanding rivalry between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers flared up once again in July 2025, driven by Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. This time, the situation intensified following the removal of Tatis’ commemorative plaque at Dodger Stadium and a contentious moment captured during a live ESPN broadcast. The ongoing feud highlights just how deeply rooted the competition is between these two Major League Baseball teams.
Fernando Tatis Jr.’s recent mic’d-up comments during a Sunday night game against the Texas Rangers drew widespread attention. While discussing his preferred stadiums, Tatis praised Citi Field but explicitly stated that he
“definitely does not enjoy Dodger Stadium.”
This direct remark comes amid an already volatile atmosphere, reigniting debates about his relationship with the Dodgers and their fans.
Escalation from On-Field Incidents and Historical Context
This rivalry goes beyond words. The latest Padres-Dodgers series turned into a tense showdown, featuring eight batters hit by pitches, including Fernando Tatis Jr., who has been struck six times by Dodgers pitchers—more than any other team in the league. The series culminated in benches clearing and a wild brawl, emphasizing the fierce animosity both teams hold.
The feud is not recent, with origins dating back to their first meeting in 1969. In nearly 1,000 games, the Dodgers lead with 535 wins, but the competitive balance has shifted in recent years. Over the past 20 games, the Padres have kept close, winning nine compared to the Dodgers’ eleven. High-stakes encounters like the 2022 National League Division Series, where the Padres defeated Los Angeles 3-1, have intensified this rivalry into a modern-day saga.
Repeated Dislike for Dodger Stadium
Fernando Tatis Jr.’s disdain for Dodger Stadium is no secret. When asked about his experience facing the Dodgers there, he bluntly stated, “Everybody knows Dodgers fans,” and “I just don’t like it.” His repeated comments reinforce a strong personal dislike, despite his impressive record at the venue, where he has hit 12 home runs over 38 games.
This sentiment likely stems from the constant on-field hostility, including the physical targeting represented by the Dodgers’ pitchers hitting Tatis multiple times. Playing in Dodger Stadium clearly comes with a challenging atmosphere that weighs heavily on Tatis, intensifying the rivalry’s emotions.
Controversy Over the Removed Home Run Plaque
Adding fuel to the fire is the recent removal of Tatis’ plaque at Dodger Stadium, which commemorated his 467-foot home run hit in 2021—one of the farthest ever recorded at the ballpark. Traditionally, the Dodgers honor such milestone hits with plaques marking the location, but damage to this particular marker led to its removal.
Although the Dodgers had promised a replacement, there has been no update on the plaque’s reinstallation. The timing of this removal, amidst escalating tension, has only amplified the dispute, with many interpreting it as a slight aimed at Tatis and the Padres.
Recent Clashes: From Heated Games to Dugout Outrage
The years 2023 and 2024 saw repeated flare-ups, including another episode in the 2023 series where multiple Dodgers and Padres players were hit by pitches. Tatis was hit twice in just two games, prompting strong reactions from the Padres’ dugout and another benches-clearing incident, though it did not turn violent.
Throughout these confrontations, Padres manager Mike Shildt and Dodgers’ players such as right fielder Teoscar Hernandez have been involved during tense moments on the field. These incidents reveal a rivalry driven by deep-seated frustration and unresolved grievances beyond typical game competitiveness.
What This Feud Means for Both Teams Moving Forward
The ongoing friction between the Dodgers and Padres, exemplified by Fernando Tatis Jr.’s outspoken attitude and the surrounding controversies, suggests this rivalry will continue to impact games and fan experiences significantly. With the rivalry occurring under high scrutiny and media attention, every encounter now carries an added layer of tension and anticipation.
The Dodgers’ dominance over the decades contrasts with the Padres’ recent competitive improvements, providing a tight, emotionally charged matchup for viewers and players alike. With Tatis vocalizing his feelings and the plaque removal unresolved, the rivalry is unlikely to cool soon.
Fans can expect future games between these teams to remain intense, with passion on full display and the potential for more dramatic moments both on and off the field.
“Everybody knows Dodgers fans.”
—Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres Superstar
“I just don’t like it.”
—Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres Superstar