Births on February 17

Alan Wiggins, American baseball player (d. 1991)

The Dynamic Career of Alan Wiggins: A Baseball Enigma

Alan Anthony Wiggins (February 17, 1958 – January 6, 1991) was a gifted American professional baseball player whose career, though brief, left a significant mark on Major League Baseball (MLB). Primarily known as a speedy second baseman and outfielder, Wiggins showcased his talents for the San Diego Padres and Baltimore Orioles during his impactful seven-year tenure in the league, spanning from 1981 to 1987. His electrifying speed and ability to get on base made him an ideal leadoff hitter, a role he perfected during his peak.

The pinnacle of Wiggins's career undoubtedly came in 1984, a historic season for the San Diego Padres. That year, he batted in the crucial leadoff spot, one slot ahead of future Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn, forming a formidable offensive one-two punch. Their combined offensive production was instrumental in propelling the Padres to win the National League Championship Series (NLCS), securing the franchise's first-ever National League pennant and an appearance in the World Series against the Detroit Tigers. Wiggins's contribution was pivotal in this memorable run.

Early Life and Prolific Minor League Ascent

Born and raised in California, Alan Wiggins's journey in baseball began after attending Pasadena City College. His exceptional athleticism quickly caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection by the California Angels in the first round (23rd overall pick) of the 1977 MLB June secondary phase draft. This marked the beginning of his professional baseball career.

Wiggins spent several years honing his skills in the minor league systems of both the California Angels and, later, the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was during his time with the Dodgers' Double-A affiliate, the San Antonio Missions in the Texas League, that Wiggins etched his name into the record books. In 1980, he achieved a professional baseball single-season record by stealing an astounding 120 bases, a feat that also stands as a record within the Dodgers' minor league system. This remarkable display of speed foreshadowed his future impact at the major league level.

Major League Debut and Record-Breaking Speed with the Padres

Alan Wiggins made his much-anticipated Major League debut with the San Diego Padres in 1981. Within two years, his consistent performance and dynamic play solidified his position as a regular starter at second base, becoming a vital component of the Padres' lineup. His speed translated immediately to the big leagues, where he continued to be a prolific base stealer.

In 1983, Wiggins set a new Padres' single-season stolen base record with 66 thefts. He then surpassed his own achievement the very next season, extending the record to an impressive 70 stolen bases in 1984. This remarkable total of 70 stolen bases from the 1984 season remains a team record for the San Diego Padres, a testament to his unparalleled speed and aggressive base-running, even as of the start of the 2019 season.

The Memorable 1984 Season and World Series Run

The 1984 season was undoubtedly the highlight of Alan Wiggins's major league career. As the Padres' primary leadoff hitter, he was tasked with setting the offensive tone, consistently getting on base and creating scoring opportunities. His ability to reach base and then steal second or third base was a constant threat to opposing pitchers and catchers, often putting him in scoring position for the heart of the Padres' batting order, including the legendary Tony Gwynn.

This synergistic offensive production was a key factor in the Padres' historic success, culminating in their victory in the National League Championship Series and their first-ever trip to the World Series. Although the Padres ultimately fell to the formidable Detroit Tigers in the Fall Classic, Wiggins's role in guiding the team to such unprecedented heights solidified his place in franchise history and showcased his immense talent.

Challenges, Trade, and Post-Baseball Struggles

Despite his undeniable talent on the field, Alan Wiggins's major league career was unfortunately overshadowed by significant personal struggles. He battled drug addiction throughout his time in baseball, which led to a series of highly publicized arrests and multiple suspensions from the sport. These challenges not only impacted his performance and availability but also prevented him from fully realizing his immense potential.

The persistent issues related to his drug problems ultimately led to his trade from the San Diego Padres to the Baltimore Orioles in 1985. He spent three seasons with the Orioles before his Major League Baseball career concluded. His battle off the field serves as a somber reminder of the personal challenges athletes can face.

A Tragic Legacy and Enduring Family Impact

After his departure from professional baseball, Alan Wiggins's life took a tragic turn. He was diagnosed with AIDS, and he passed away on January 6, 1991, at the young age of 32. Wiggins holds a significant, albeit sorrowful, place in baseball history as the first Major League Baseball player publicly known to die of the disease. His death brought a somber awareness to the impact of the AIDS epidemic within the sports community.

Remarkably, long after his untimely passing, Alan Wiggins's athletic legacy continued through his children. Two of his children, Candice and Alan Jr., went on to become professional basketball players. Candice Wiggins achieved significant success, becoming a standout player at Stanford University before enjoying a successful career in the WNBA, where she won a championship. Alan Wiggins Jr. also pursued a professional basketball career, playing collegiately at the University of Hawaii before competing in the G-League and professionally in Europe. Their accomplishments stand as a powerful testament to the enduring athletic talent within the Wiggins family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Alan Wiggins

Who was Alan Wiggins?

Alan Anthony Wiggins was an American professional baseball player known for his speed as a second baseman and outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres and Baltimore Orioles between 1981 and 1987.

What was Alan Wiggins's most significant accomplishment in MLB?

Wiggins's most significant accomplishment was his pivotal role as the leadoff hitter for the San Diego Padres during their historic 1984 season, which saw them win the National League Championship Series and advance to the World Series. He also set the Padres' single-season stolen base record with 70 thefts that year, a record that still stands.

What was Alan Wiggins known for outside of baseball?

Tragically, Alan Wiggins is also known as the first Major League Baseball player confirmed to have died from AIDS, passing away in 1991 at the age of 32. He also struggled publicly with drug addiction during his career.

Did Alan Wiggins's children become professional athletes?

Yes, two of his children became successful professional basketball players. His daughter, Candice Wiggins, starred at Stanford University and had a notable career in the WNBA, winning a championship. His son, Alan Wiggins Jr., also played professionally in Europe and the G-League.

Which teams did Alan Wiggins play for during his MLB career?

During his Major League Baseball career, Alan Wiggins played for the San Diego Padres from 1981 to 1985 and the Baltimore Orioles from 1985 to 1987.