Eric Show, a right-handed pitcher, spent the majority of his Major League Baseball career with the San Diego Padres. Born on May 19, 1956, in Riverside, California, Show attended the University of California, Riverside, where he honed his skills on the mound. His talent caught the attention of the Padres, who selected him in the 18th round of the 1978 MLB Draft.
Show made his MLB debut with the Padres on September 2, 1981. Over the next decade, he became a mainstay in the Padres' starting rotation. Known for his distinctive pitching style, Show utilized a combination of fastballs, sliders, and changeups to keep hitters off balance. His cerebral approach to pitching often involved studying hitters meticulously, which allowed him to exploit their weaknesses effectively.
One of the highlights of Show's career came in 1984 when he played a crucial role in helping the Padres reach the World Series for the first time in franchise history. During that season, he posted a 15-9 record with a 3.40 ERA, contributing significantly to the team's success. Although the Padres ultimately fell to the Detroit Tigers in the World Series, Show's performance throughout the season was instrumental in their journey to the championship.
Show's career was not without controversy. On September 11, 1985, he surrendered Pete Rose's 4,192nd hit, which broke Ty Cobb's longstanding record for the most hits in MLB history. The moment was historic, but Show's reaction drew criticism as he sat on the mound, seemingly detached from the celebration around him. This incident highlighted Show's introspective nature and his tendency to focus inward, even amidst significant external events.
Throughout his tenure with the Padres, Show was known for his durability and consistency. He led the team in innings pitched multiple times and was often relied upon to face the opposition's toughest lineups. His best season statistically came in 1988 when he recorded a career-high 16 wins and maintained a 3.26 ERA. That year, he also achieved a personal milestone by pitching a career-high 234.2 innings.
In 1990, Show's time with the Padres came to an end when he signed with the Oakland Athletics as a free agent. His stint with the Athletics was brief and marked by struggles on the mound. He appeared in only 12 games, posting a 5.76 ERA before being released by the team in June 1991. This marked the end of his Major League career.
Off the field, Show was known for his diverse interests and pursuits. He was an accomplished jazz musician, playing the guitar with a passion that rivaled his love for baseball. His intellectual curiosity extended beyond music, as he was also known for his interest in philosophy and alternative medicine. These interests sometimes set him apart from his teammates, contributing to his reputation as a complex and enigmatic figure.
Tragically, Eric Show's life was cut short when he passed away on March 16, 1994, at the age of 37.
⚾
Related Content
Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring Eric Show Biography
