History of Steve Garvey in Timeline

Steve Garvey is a former Major League Baseball first baseman, known for his successful career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres from 1969 to 1987. A ten-time All-Star, Garvey was recognized for his consistent hitting, fielding, and leadership. He won the 1974 National League MVP award and was a key player in multiple World Series appearances. Off the field, his image was carefully cultivated, contributing to his popularity, though later controversies impacted his public persona.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

December 22, 1948: Steven Garvey Born

On December 22, 1948, Steven Patrick Garvey was born. He later became a professional Major League Baseball player.

Others born on this day/year

1956: Batboy for Brooklyn Dodgers

In 1956, Garvey began his time as a batboy for the Brooklyn Dodgers during their spring training.

1961: End of Batboy Era

In 1961, Garvey's time as a batboy concluded, having also worked for the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers during spring training.

June 1966: Drafted by Minnesota Twins

In June 1966, Garvey was drafted in the third round by the Minnesota Twins in the amateur draft, though he chose to attend Michigan State University instead.

1966: Graduated High School

In 1966, Garvey graduated from George D. Chamberlain High School, marking the completion of his secondary education.

1967: Earned Letter in Football

In 1967, Garvey earned a letter as a defensive back after recording 30 tackles for Michigan State University's football team.

1968: Drafted by Los Angeles Dodgers

In 1968, Garvey was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1st round of the MLB draft, marking a significant step in his professional baseball career.

September 1, 1969: Major League Debut

On September 1, 1969, at the age of 20, Garvey made his Major League debut, appearing as a pinch hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1969: Began Major League Career with Dodgers

In 1969, Garvey began his major league career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking the start of his professional baseball journey.

July 21, 1970: First Home Run

On July 21, 1970, Garvey hit his first home run off Carl Morton while playing third base for the Dodgers.

1970: Modern Baseball Era Committee Consideration

Garvey was on the 10-candidate ballot that was considered by the Hall's Modern Baseball Era Committee (for the 1970–1987 era) in voting for 2018 and fell short of the 75% threshold.

1971: NLCS Record Set

In 1971, Bob Robertson set a record for extra base hits in the NLCS that would be tied by Garvey in 1978.

1971: Received Bachelor of Science Degree

In 1971, Garvey received a Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education, completing his college education while pursuing his baseball career.

1971: Garvey marries Cynthia Truhan

In 1971, at the age of 22, Steve Garvey married Cynthia Truhan. They later had two daughters, Krisha and Whitney.

June 13, 1973: Infield Partnership Began

On June 13, 1973, Garvey formed part of a long-lasting infield partnership with Ron Cey, Bill Russell, and Davey Lopes for the Dodgers.

1973: Expansion Era Committee Consideration

Garvey was considered by the Hall of Fame's Expansion Era Committee (for the 1973–present era) in voting for 2011 and 2014 but was not elected.

1973: Moved to First Base

In 1973, Garvey moved to first base for the Dodgers following the retirement of Wes Parker.

1974: All-Star Game Starter and NL MVP Award

In 1974, Garvey started an All-Star Game as a write-in vote, won the NL MVP award, and began a streak of six 200-hit seasons.

1974: All-Star Game MVP

In 1974, Garvey was selected to play in the All-Star game and won the All-Star Game MVP Award.

1974: National League MVP Award

In 1974, Garvey won the National League (NL) Most Valuable Player Award, recognizing his outstanding performance in the league.

September 3, 1975: Consecutive Games Streak Started

On September 3, 1975, Garvey began his streak of 1,207 consecutive games played.

June 1976: Teammate Criticism

In mid-June 1976, Cey, Lopes, and another player criticized Garvey in a San Bernardino Sun-Telegram article, which led to team friction.

1977: Fourth Straight Gold Glove Award

In 1977, Garvey won his fourth straight Gold Glove Award, recognizing his defensive excellence.

1978: National League Championship Series MVP

In 1978, Garvey was named the National League Championship Series MVP, highlighting his pivotal role in the Dodgers' success.

1978: All-Star Game MVP

In 1978, Garvey won the All-Star Game MVP Award.

1978: Brawl with Don Sutton

In 1978, after an article in The Washington Post quoted Don Sutton complaining about Garvey's publicity, the two players had a brawl in the locker room at Shea Stadium.

1978: NLCS MVP Award

In 1978, during the National League Championship Series, Garvey hit four home runs, earning him the League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award.

1981: World Series Winner

In 1981, Garvey was a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers team that won the World Series, securing a major championship victory.

1981: Roberto Clemente Award

In 1981, Garvey won the Roberto Clemente Award, honoring his sportsmanship, community involvement, and individual contribution to his team.

December 1982: Signed with the Padres

In December 1982, Garvey signed a five-year contract with the San Diego Padres for $6.6 million. The signing was ranked as the 15th best free agent signing ever by Sports Illustrated as of 2008.

1982: Signed with San Diego Padres

In 1982, after Garvey signed with the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers kept his number 6 out of circulation.

July 29, 1983: Consecutive Games Streak Ended

On July 29, 1983, Garvey's streak ended at 1,207 consecutive games played (from September 3, 1975) when he broke his thumb in a collision at home plate against the Atlanta Braves.

1983: Garvey Media Group Started

In 1983, while playing for the Padres, Garvey started Garvey Media Group, focusing on sports marketing and corporate branding.

1984: Error-Free Season

In 1984, Garvey became the only first baseman in MLB history to play 150 or more games without committing any errors, achieving a remarkable defensive milestone.

1984: Second NLCS MVP Award

In 1984, Garvey was once again named a National League Championship Series MVP for the second time in his career, cementing his legacy. He hit a dramatic walk-off home run to win Game Four of the Championship Series for the Padres.

1984: National League Pennant

In 1984, led by Garvey, who won his second National League Championship Series MVP award, the Padres won their first National League pennant over the Chicago Cubs.

1985: Garvey and Truhan divorce

In 1985, Steve Garvey and Cynthia Truhan divorced. Truhan had left Garvey for composer Marvin Hamlisch.

1986: Beginning of Long-Distance Relationship

In 1986, Steve Garvey and Rebecka Mendenhall began a long-distance relationship.

May 23, 1987: Final Game Appearance

On May 23, 1987, Garvey made his final appearance in a game, pinch-hitting for Lance McCullers.

1987: Modern Baseball Era Committee Consideration

Garvey was on the 10-candidate ballot that was considered by the Hall's Modern Baseball Era Committee (for the 1970–1987 era) in voting for 2018 and fell short of the 75% threshold.

1987: Ended playing career

In 1987, Garvey's playing career ended while he was with the San Diego Padres, marking the conclusion of his time as a professional baseball player.

1987: NLCS Home Run Record Tied

In 1987, Jeffrey Leonard tied the NLCS home run record that was previously set by Garvey in 1978.

July 1988: Discovery of Cheryl Moulton's pregnancy

In July 1988, Steve Garvey discovered that Cheryl Moulton was pregnant with his child, Ashleigh Young.

November 1988: Garvey proposes to Rebecka Mendenhall

In November 1988, Steve Garvey proposed to Rebecka Mendenhall, informing her about Cheryl Moulton's pregnancy at the time.

1988: Headed Garvey Communications

In 1988, Garvey headed Garvey Communications, which was mainly involved in television production including infomercials.

1988: Padres Retired Garvey's Number

In 1988, the San Diego Padres retired Garvey's No. 6 jersey, honoring his contributions to the team.

January 1, 1989: Garvey breaks engagement with Mendenhall

On January 1, 1989, Steve Garvey broke his engagement with Rebecka Mendenhall, who had learned she was pregnant.

January 1989: Garvey engaged to Candace Thomas

In January 1989, Steve Garvey became engaged to Candace Thomas after meeting her at a benefit for the Special Olympics.

February 18, 1989: Garvey marries Candace Thomas

On February 18, 1989, Steve Garvey and Candace Thomas were married. They have three children together and four children from previous marriages.

October 1989: Birth of Slade Mendenhall

In October 1989, Rebecka Mendenhall gave birth to Steve Garvey's son, Slade Mendenhall.

1992: Dianne Feinstein's Senate Service

In 1992, Dianne Feinstein began her service as a U.S. Senator for California, a seat Steve Garvey later sought to fill in 2024.

1993: Hall of Fame Ballot Debut

In 1993, Garvey appeared on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for the first time.

1995: Highest Hall of Fame Vote Percentage

In 1995, Garvey received his highest percentage of votes for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, at 42.6%.

1999: Involvement with Enforma Natural Products

In 1999, Garvey appeared in infomercials for Fat Trappers and Exercise in a Bottle, produced by Enforma Natural Products, leading to controversy and lawsuits against the company.

September 1, 2000: FTC Charges Filed

On September 1, 2000, Garvey and his management company were charged by the Federal Trade Commission for false advertising related to a weight-loss product.

2003: Number Reissued

In 2003, the Dodgers gave Garvey's number 6 to utility player Jolbert Cabrera, ending its 21-year period out of circulation.

2004: Court Ruling

In 2004, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that Garvey was not liable for the content of infomercials, as he was merely a spokesman.

2007: Final Year on Hall of Fame Ballot

In 2007, Garvey was on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for the final time, receiving 21.1% of the votes.

2008: Sports Illustrated Ranking

As of 2008, Sports Illustrated ranked Garvey's signing with the San Diego Padres as the 15th best free agent signing ever.

2009: Michigan State Baseball Distinguished Alumnus of the Year

In 2009, Garvey was named Michigan State Baseball Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, recognizing his achievements and contributions.

2010: Inducted into Michigan State University Hall of Fame

In 2010, Garvey was inducted into the Michigan State University Hall of Fame, celebrating his athletic legacy at the university.

2011: Hall of Fame Consideration

In 2011, Garvey was considered by the Hall of Fame's Expansion Era Committee but was not elected.

2011: Fired From Marketing Department

In 2011, Garvey was fired by the Dodgers from their marketing department after publicly expressing his intent to be part of an ownership group to buy the team.

2014: Hall of Fame Consideration

In 2014, Garvey was considered by the Hall of Fame's Expansion Era Committee but was not elected.

2014: Baseball Jersey Retired

In 2014, Garvey's baseball jersey number 10 was retired from Michigan State University, an honor acknowledging his impact on the program.

2016: Garvey voted for Trump

In 2016, Steve Garvey voted for Donald Trump in the presidential election.

2017: Modern Baseball Era Committee Ballot

In 2017, Garvey was on the 10-candidate ballot considered by the Hall's Modern Baseball Era Committee.

2018: Hall of Fame Vote

In 2018, Garvey fell short of the 75% threshold needed for Hall of Fame election by the Modern Baseball Era Committee.

December 2019: Modern Baseball Era Committee Vote

In December 2019, Garvey received six votes (37.5%) from the Modern Baseball Era Committee for the 2020 Hall of Fame class.

2020: Hall of Fame Class Vote

In 2020, Garvey received six votes from the Modern Baseball Era Committee, but still failed to reach the Hall of Fame.

2020: Garvey voted for Trump

In 2020, Steve Garvey voted for Donald Trump in the presidential election.

October 10, 2023: Garvey announces Senate run

On October 10, 2023, Steve Garvey announced his candidacy as a Republican in the 2024 United States Senate elections in California.

October 2023: Announced Candidacy for U.S. Senate

In October 2023, Garvey announced his candidacy as a Republican for U.S. Senate from California in the upcoming 2024 election.

March 2024: Advanced in Primary Election

In March 2024, Garvey finished a close second in the top-two primary, advancing to the general election alongside Adam Schiff.

March 2024: Garvey advances to Senate election

In March 2024, Steve Garvey advanced to the November election for the U.S. Senate seat in California, facing Democrat Adam Schiff.

April 2024: Garvey calls college protestors terrorists

In April 2024, Steve Garvey referred to college students protesting the war in Gaza as "terrorists" and urged law enforcement to take action.

2024: Daughter speaks out during campaign

During the 2024 campaign, Steve Garvey's oldest daughter Krisha stated that he cut contact with her 15 years ago, and Young and Mendenhall stated that Garvey had not made an effort to speak with them outside of family court.