New Padres Owner Jokes About Dodgers' 'Dinosaurs,' Igniting Rivalry

Newly appointed San Diego Padres owner José E. Feliciano has quickly embraced a key aspect of the team's rivalry with the Los Angeles Dodgers: needling their opponents whenever possible. Feliciano, speaking to reporters on the field before Game 2 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Cubs, made a jest about Dodgers owner Mark Walter and his team.

When asked about the Dodgers, Feliciano initially demurred before playfully stating, "The owner of the Dodgers owns a lot of dinosaurs." He then walked away with fellow owner Kwanza Jones, prompting laughter from those present. The remark, made in front of a gathering of reporters and cameras, was captured and shared widely on social media.

Dodgers fans quickly interpreted Feliciano's comment as a jab at the Los Angeles roster, which features several veteran players in their mid-to-late 30s. The phrase "living rent free in their head" became a common sentiment among Dodgers supporters online, with some humorously suggesting Dodger Stadium be renamed "Jurassic Park."

The comment also serves as a reminder of past playoff encounters between the two clubs. During the 2024 NLDS, the Padres displayed a crying Clayton Kershaw meme, only to lose the series in five games to the Dodgers. The history between the two teams is known for its intensity, and Feliciano's remark has added a new layer to the ongoing rivalry.

Adding another wrinkle to the situation, Feliciano recently acquired Walter's stake in Chelsea Football Club. Should the Padres and Dodgers advance, a potential National League Championship Series matchup could provide an opportunity for further discussion, with the World Series on the line and, as Feliciano quipped, "Dinosaurs included."