NATIONAL AFFAIRS: Dodger Steve Garvey, Now On-Deck...

 

By EDUARDO PAZ-MARTINEZ

McALLEN, Texas | Suddenly, everybody and his first baseman wants aging Dianne Feinstein's U.S. Senate seat - even, it seems, former Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Steve Garvey, not quite the Hall of Famer but a Major League Baseball name as recognizable as any.

Garvey may want in on national politics.

"I have been approached to run for office and am exploring that," Garvey said in an interview earlier this month.

The 74-year-old ex-Michigan State University football and baseball star played 18 seasons in the majors, 14 with the Dodgers and his last four with the San Diego Padres. Garvey retired in 1987, a long time ago, yes. Feinstein's age (89) has been the focus of numerous written and broadcast stories, many of them saying critics question her mental capacities and her ability to keep serving her state. She is shown in photo below.

If he jumps into the race, Garvey will join at least three Democrats who have so far announced their intent to seek the post: Adam Schiff, 62, Katie Porter, 49, and Barbara Lee, 76. All three are current members of Congress.

As a player, he had few equals. Garvey retired with 2,599 hits, 272 homeruns and 1,308 runs batted in. The "Iron Man," as he was known, holds the National League record for most consecutive games played: 1,207 straight. And he is the only player in MLB history to have an errorless season at first base. The 5'10"-tall Garvey also made the All-Star squad 10 times, mostly as a Dodger and was Most Valuable Player in 1974.

Garvey may be counting solely on his baseball career as credentials for wanting the Senate seat. His accomplishments on the baseball field are many, but he has zero experience in anything resembling politics. Indeed, much of the literature surrounding his adult life has him as a womanizer off the field of sports. Like many in national politics, Garvey has multiple marriages.

It's way too-early in the political season and, well, he has not said "Yes" to a candidacy. But it's fair to wonder how a popular player always considered a good guy by sportswriters would fare in this current, overly toxic political field.

California remains a clear Democratic Party stronghold, but it did elect Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger governor in 2003. Arnold, however, was not a far-right Republican, his pro-choice position on abortion helping him with moderate voters. Nothing is known about Garvey's position on issues on today's political front-burner.

That will change the moment he announces.

Georgia football star and 1982 Heisman trophy winner Herschel Walker was the last well-known athlete to seek a similar seat in the 2022 elections. Walker, a former Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings running back, lost.

Garvey easily matches Walker's athletic exploits and credentials. He also is said to be a charmer in public settings, something Walker lacked. Plus, it says here, much will depend on who endorses Garvey and whose Big-Time endorsements he welcomes.

Number 6 is walking over to the On-Deck Circle...

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