Nostalgia filled the air at Sycuan Casino to commemorate a pivotal moment in San Diego sports history on May 24. The event was held in lieu of a current series at Petco Park where the current Padres are hosting the Cubs—the very team it beat to clinch the city’s first World Series birth in 1984. This incredible season may be 30 years ago, but it is far from forgotten.
Nostalgia filled the air at Sycuan Casino to commemorate a pivotal moment in San Diego sports history on May 24. The event was held in lieu of a current series at Petco Park where the current Padres are hosting the Cubs—the very team it beat to clinch the city’s first World Series birth in 1984. This incredible season may be 30 years ago, but it is far from forgotten.
Three stars and fan favorites of that team, Garry “jumpsteady” Templeton, Terry Kennedy, and Kurt Bevacqua took time out of their schedules to greet fans.The first 200 that arrived received tickets and guaranteed to meet the players andgiven a signed photo and Padres hat. In addition, for those who participated, a raffle featured great prizes ranging from autographed jerseys to an all expenses paid road trip for two to Chicago to watch Padres play at Wrigley Field.
Sycuan’s Director of Advertising Allyn Boyance said the event was the first of its kind and “thrown together” in a week with last minute changes. Anyone in attendance would not have noticed. Fans waited patiently with the chance to speak to the players, take pictures and get autographs.
Former Padre and current gameplay commentator, Mark Sweeny, emceed the event. The 84’ team in his opinion “embodied” the spirit of the Padres, the expansion team that could. They “set the tone” for years to come. Between signings he asked the players questions from the fans and if they shared their stories. The highlight was the charismatic Kennedy joking about Bruce Bochy’s head size, and one of the most famous photos in San Diego sports history after their game 5 clinching moment. He described that photo as himself as being “choked to death” by Goose Gossage.
Fans from all walks of life made the trip out to the casino. A lifelong Padre fan collects autographs and “grew up” watching the 84’ team and wanted to meet the men he saw playing as a kid. This father and son duo, both named Robert Patrick, came because they wanted to “celebrate a terrific team.” Needless to say, the 84’ team has had a lasting impact on San Diego sports fans and Saturday’s eventatSycuan,alongstanding sponsorofthePadres,didatremendousjobof capturingthatappreciation.
