The year was 1998, and the San Diego Padres were serious world championship contenders. Tony Gwynn, who was 38 years old at the time, was striking out only once every 25.6 at bats. Silver Slugger award winner Greg Vaughn hit fifty home runs on the season, highlighting the middle of a dynamic lineup. Kevin Brown was dominating opposing batters, pitching the Padres to the playoffs, and closer Trevor Hoffman led all of baseball with 53 saves.
The Padres were stacked with one of the best rosters in all of baseball, with both talent and experience.