Padres Special: Remembering the 1984 N.L. Champion San Diego Padres

That iconic walk-off home run in game four off Lee Smith of the Chicago Cubs, will always be my lasting memory of Steve Garvey. It literally brings goose bumps to my skin thinking about that moment.

That has to be one of the best moments in Padre history, if not the best. The sound from the Jack Murphy stadium crowd as that one out, ninth inning drive, stuck the back retaining wall is a sound that echoes through my mind. What a joyful occasion for the city. Steve Garvey‘s #6 is appropriately retired by the Padres.

Steve Garvey had a long a lustrous career in the major leagues. The first 14 seasons were with the Los Angeles Dodgers where Garvey won an MVP award in 1974 at the age of 25. He hit .312 with 21 home runs and 111 runs batted in while guiding the Dodgers to the World Series where they lost to the Oakland Athletics in five games. 1974 would be the first year, in eight straight where Steve Garvey was elected to the all-star game for the Dodgers.

The former first round pick (13th overall) in the 1968 draft became a free agent after the 1982 season. The Dodgers lost Garvey to the San Diego Padres, as then general manager Jack Mckeon signed Garvey to a $6.6 million dollar deal for five seasons. The Padres had outbid the Dodgers in an attempt to rebuild the team with quality major league players.

Steve Garvey was viewed as a great role model for the youth that dominated the Padres 25 man roster. Garvey was in the midst of his National League record of 1207 consecutive games played. He showed up everyday and played while hurt. A perfect example to young players. Fantastic move by Jack Mckeon and a pivotal piece to the Padres winning season.

Steve Garvey played six seasons with the Padres, playing in 835 games. In his 2987 at bats he totaled 76 home runs while driving in 424 runs. A .274 career Padre batting average, and two all-star appearances for the Friars. All though Garvey clearly had his best seasons in Dodger blue, his leadership couldn’t possibly be measured by any stat. For the Padres he provided just what they needed for a young club.

I had the pleasure of meeting Steve Garvey, and he is the absolute professional. He is a throw back to the era that is long gone. He wears a sports coat and slacks all the time, and you would never see Steve Garvey wearing his baseball hat backwards on the baseball field. No offense to modern-day players, as the game has obviously changed, but you have to respect a ballplayer of Garvey’s mold. A true professional.

These days Steve Garvey resides in Southern California with his wife of over 25 years. He can be seen in and around the game of baseball. Garvey had a battle with prostate cancer in the fall of 2012, but remains in good health. He is very active in raising awareness for diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. A true off-field battle, that is more important than any silly game. Best wishes, Mr. Garvey.

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James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.