Day baseball, Rickey Henderson and Dick Williams

Got to admit, Friar John is feeling pretty good this week about being a baseball fan.

The Padres have won six of eight. The young reinforcments -- Everth Cabrera, Mat Latos, Tony Gwynn, Kyle Blanks -- have been fun to watch. The Jake Peavy trade has brought intrigue as we get to watch a bunch of big, powerful pitchers develop. So far, so good with lefty Clayton Richard after one start.

Then there are days like this.

It's a perfect San Diego summer afternoon as the Padres finish their series with the Braves at PETCO Park today. The 12:35 p.m. start means it's a 2 for 1 Getaway Day, presented by Southwest Airlines. Tickets are 2 for 1 in four select sections, and Wienerschintzel hot dogs also are 2 for the price of 1.

The Mets come to town Thursday for a four-game set that includes Padres Hall of Fame Weekend. That's a must for history-minded Padres fans.

On Friday, Rickey Henderson will be honored in pregame ceremonies. Henderson was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, delivering an amusing and touching speech that made him the star of the day. He's not talked out, however. FJ is told Henderson will have a few comments during the ceremony.

The first 10,000 fans at Friday's game will receive a Rickey Henderson Collectible Card (pictured, left). Postgame brings Friday Friarworks, presented by Padres Banking at Bank of America.

On Saturday, Dick Williams (pictured, above) will be inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame. It's a worthy honor. In four seasons as Padres manager, 1982-85, he never had a losing year. And that was for a franchise that saw only one winning campaign before his arrival. WIlliams, of course, directed the Padres to their first World Series in 1984. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame last summer.

Every fan at Saturday's game gets a Padre Hall of Fame Cap, presented by California Lottery (pictured, right). That's a good get.

The Sunday finale against the Mets features Padres Mini Bats for Kids (14 and younger), presented by Cox/Channel 4 San Diego.

This is going to be a fun week.

FJ