Sheel Seidler, the widow of beloved Padres owner Peter Seidler, has filed a lawsuit against two of her brothers-in-law seeking to become the control person for the franchise.
Since Peter Seidler's passing in late 2023, the franchise has been controlled by Seidler Trusts. In the lawsuit, filed Monday in Texas state probate court, Sheel Seidler claims Bob and Matt Seidler have committed "breaches of fiduciary duty and fraud," and is asking them to be removed as trustees. She says, as the sole beneficiary of the Trusts, she wants to become the franchise's control person.
Sheel Seidler addressed Padres fans explaining her actions in a social media post on Monday:
To @Padres fans, I want you to hear directly from me. Peter and I had a mission to bring championship baseball to San Diego. That remains my commitment to you. Read my full statement below. pic.twitter.com/YW605jZ0P8
— Sheel Seidler (@sheel_padres) January 6, 2025
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In the complaint, Sheel Seilder claims Matt and Bob Seidler have denied her and her children access to the owners box at Petco Park, was subjected to "... racist, profane, and hateful communications directed at Sheel - a woman of Indian descent - in communications on which Bob was copied" from Bob's wife, Alecia Seidler.
Sheel also alleges in the suit that Matt and Bob have attempted to sell assets from the trust to themselves at a substantial discount, then "unsold" them when confronted about their actions, saying the brothers are attempting to use the Seidler Trusts as a "piggy bank."
MLB
In mid-December John Seidler, 65, was tasked with taking over day-to-day control of the team's operations. In the suit, Sheel Seidler says she asked to be named control person but was told by Matt that John would be the nominee. On this, Sheel Seidler says, "John has never worked for the Padres, spent most of his life as a civil engineer (aside from occasional seats on company boards that Peter would give him), has no ties to the San Diego community, and is far down on the list of Peter's ranked choices for his successor."
John's involvement is up for vote by Major League Baseball in the coming weeks but this lawsuit could change the timing on his pending confirmation.
In a statement to NBC 7, a spokesperson for the Peter Seidler Trust said:
“The complaint filed by Sheel Seidler, the widow of Peter Seidler, is entirely without merit. Peter had a clear estate plan. The plan specifically named three of his nine siblings, with whom he had worked closely for many decades, as successor trustees of his trust and Peter himself prohibited Sheel from ever serving as trustee. The trustee is exclusively responsible for designating the San Diego Padres’ next Control Person. In 2020, in connection with Peter’s appointment as Control Person, Sheel agreed in a sworn document that she had no right to be or to designate the Control Person and that she would not interfere with the designated Control Person. She also stated in May 2024 that John Seidler, Peter’s eldest brother, would be the best Control Person for the Padres. The Padres have already filed an application to Major League Baseball to appoint John.
“A lifelong baseball fan, seasoned business executive and current minority owner, John has the right experience and shares Peter’s vision for the Padres: ensure there is a consistently competitive team on the field and a best-in-class fan experience, with the goal of bringing championship caliber baseball to San Diego. Planning for the 2025 season is well underway, and we look forward to pursuing the franchise’s first World Series title.”
Matt wrote a letter to fans, refuting Sheel's claims.
"Peter had many conversations with Bob, John, and me regarding the Control Person role, including identifying those family members he considered to be potential candidates for this position, and consistently reaffirmed his confidence in each of us, if and when the time came for any of us to designate the Padres’ Control Person. Peter never mentioned Sheel as a potential candidate for Control Person to Bob, John, or me," he wrote, in part.
"In addition, when Peter became Control Person, Sheel signed a sworn document in which she acknowledged that she had no right to be or to designate the Control Person, and agreed that if Peter passed away she would not seek any order in any legal proceeding that would in any way restrain the control of the Club or the duties of the designated Control Person," Matt added.
His full letter is here.
In Major League Baseball, a team's control person has substantial power. Each franchise is required to have one, and that person has significant influence over the team's business affairs, including the size of the payroll. MLB rules dictate a control person must possess at least a 15% ownership stake in the organization.
Read the full lawsuit below:
Padres fans had a lot to say about the lawsuit on Monday.
"Peter taught her a lot and she knows how to deal with the team. If she is going to put us where Peter wanted to go, I am good with it," said Padres fan Brian McCorkle.
“Whoever is going to put us on to the best chance to get to a world series ... that’s cool," said McCorkle.
Fans may not be feeling the immediate impact, but this lawsuit does bring up some concerns like, can the team still recruit big talent? Is there a world championship in the Friar's future? Or will the team be moved?
Sports agent Bryce Dixon says when it comes to free agents, a front office power struggle will have little impact.
"If there is more money out there and the Padres are willing to spend it, I think they are going to have no problem getting free agents," Dixon said.
Due to the fact that the current, most sought-after free agent, Roki Sasaki from Japan, affectively has a salary cap, conditions in the club may matter more than money.
Dixon says the dispute could have a negative impact on recruiting him.
“It certainly doesn’t help the situation," Dixon added.
As for moving the team, Dixon doesn’t see that as an option.
Padre’s owners have worked through tough times in the past. To the degree this dispute guides the team’s future, has yet to be seen.
