Tom DeLonge gets emotional as Padres force Game 4 in NLDS
Tom DeLonge, singer and guitarist of Blink-182, was seen wiping away tears as the San Diego Padres defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth inning of Game 3 of the National League Division Series at Petco Park on Oct. 7, 2026.
The win forced a decisive Game 4 in the best‑of‑five series, keeping San Diego alive after falling behind 0-2. The dramatic moment occurred as the stadium’s speakers blasted the band’s 1999 hit “All the Small Things,” a song the Padres play before the bottom of the eighth whenever they hold a lead.
Thousands of fans joined in a stadium‑wide sing‑along, and cameras caught DeLonge waving a rally towel, joining the chant and briefly tearing up.
“Can’t imagine the feeling,” an announcer said, noting the rarity of a hometown rock star hearing his own song echo from the stands.
DeLonge, a Poway native and lifelong Padres fan, has been a regular presence at Petco Park. He has sat behind home plate for many games, thrown a first pitch in a previous playoff series, and often records his reactions to the crowd’s rendition of his band’s biggest hit.
The emotional scene highlighted the cultural bond between local music and sports. The tradition of playing “All the Small Things” before the crucial inning has become a rallying point for the club, and this playoff appearance amplified its impact. The Padres’ 4-3 victory not only staved off elimination but also energized the fan base with a shared moment of nostalgia and pride.
San Diego’s next challenge comes on Wednesday night when the Padres will send right‑hander Walker Buehler to the mound. The Brewers’ pitcher for that game has not yet been announced. If the Padres can repeat the eighth‑inning surge, they will push the series to a fifth game and keep their postseason hopes alive.
DeLonge’s visible emotion underscores how deeply the team’s fortunes resonate with the community. As the series continues, his presence at Petco Park serves as a reminder that the city’s love for both music and baseball can converge in a single, unforgettable night.