Pad Squad member values smiles over wins

SAN DIEGO -- The Padres return to start their longest home stand of the 2011 season Thursday with 11 straight games at Petco Park.

Normally, that would be a good thing, except the Padres have the worst home record in the National League.

But P.J. Busalacchi makes it his mission to ensure fans have a good time, win or lose, and he has the perfect make-up for a Pad Squad member.

“I love baseball, I love the Padres, and love making people feel like they're at home,” Busalacchi said.

The 21-year-old joined the Pad Squad this year and instantly knew what to do.

“Bring a lot of energy, a lot of smiles and just make people feel good and make people feel happy,” he said. “That's what we're all about.”

Busalacchi and the other Pad Squad members roam Petco Park on game day spreading goodwill.

Whether playing with kids in Park at the Park, holding the sling shot on the field for t-shirt giveaways, or trying to give a souvenir squishy ball to commemorate a young fans first game, Busalacchi does what he can so fans enjoy the experience, even if the Padres lose more than they win at home.

“That's part of our job,” Busalacchi said. “To make sure they leave this ballpark and they have a smile on their face no matter the outcome of the game.”

When the Padres hit the road, Busalacchi works as a server at Trattoria Fantastica in Little Italy, one of the restaurants operated by his family.

He said he has worked there since birth, only slightly joking.

But no joke, he said his family experience gave him the perfect training for the Pad Squad.

“I took stuff that I learned from here and went over there to make people feel good and make people feel like they're at home,” Busalacchi said. “That's exactly what we do at the restaurant. I go to the ballpark and make people feel like they're at home watching the game.”

One year away from getting his business degree at SDSU, Busalacchi said he wants to work in the sports industry - perhaps in the front office of a team or as a sports agent.

Wherever he ends up, he will be ready to serve.

“I come here with a smiling face, energetic, and ready to have a good time with the fans,” Busalacchi said. “This job is all about having a good time.”