This story was excerpted from AJ Cassavell's Padres Beat newsletter.

A great night at a Minor League Baseball game can instill a strong sense of community, and communities are at their best when they're able to welcome and empower people who have traditionally been sidelined.

This spring, on the morning the Padres were set to hold their first full-squad workout in Peoria, Ariz.

The final day of Triple-A's Opening Week was largely anticipated because of all the debuts scheduled on the mound.