MLB Network to spotlight 1984 Padres

This promises to be a good one.

MLB Productions has been working on a show about the 1984 Padres that will air on the MLB Network. Titled "Triumph and Tragedy: The 1984 Padres", the piece promises to be a fascinating look at the diverse group that brought San Diego its first National League pennant.

The 1984 Padres had a young superstar in the making in Tony Gwynn. It had strong-voiced veterans such as Goose Gossage, Graig Nettles and Garry Templeton. It had a clubhouse tinged with politics as pitchers Eric Show, Mark Thurmond and Dave Dravecky make a public appearance on behalf of the John Birch Society.

The show will follow those Padres beyond that season, as speedy second baseman Alan Wiggins lost his career, and eventually his life, to drug abuse. Show also died prematurely because of drugs. Dravecky lost his pitching arm to cancer but became an inspirational speaker.

It was a great year to be a Padres fan. The connection between the city and its team was never stronger. Here's hoping this show helps a few reconnect.

FJ hears the program will air Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. Pacific time. If the Yankees wrap up the American League Championship Series tonight, the debut will come Saturday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. Pacific.

FJ