Alan Wiggins – Baseball Player Biography, Career, Net Worth Information

Alan Wiggins was one of baseball’s most complicated figures during his seven-season Major League run from 1981 to 1987. The speedy second baseman and outfielder played for the San Diego Padres and Baltimore Orioles, leaving a mark on the game with both his athletic feats and personal struggles.

His career peaked during the Padres’ pennant-winning 1984 season. That year, he stole 70 bases, scored 106 runs, and helped push the team to the World Series.

Wiggins was the first known Major League Baseball player to die from AIDS-related complications. He passed away in 1991 at age 32, just four years after retiring. His story shows both the heights of athletic success and the depths of personal challenges that defined baseball’s tumultuous decade.

Born in Pasadena, California, Wiggins fought drug addiction during his career while making his name as one of the game’s top base stealers.

This tragic tale stretches from his early days in California, through his rise with the Padres, his battles with substance abuse, and the impact he left on his family and the sport. His journey gives us a glimpse into the pressures pro athletes face and the consequences of untreated addiction in an era when baseball wrestled with widespread drug problems.

Early Life and Education

Alan Anthony Wiggins was born on February 17, 1958, in Los Angeles, California, to Albert and Karla Wiggins. His early years were shaped by family struggles and a growing love for athletics.

He went through integrated schools during a pivotal time in California’s history.

Family Background and Childhood in California

Alan Wiggins dealt with big family challenges from a young age. His parents split up when he was just one, leaving his mother Karla to raise him and his older brother Donald alone.

The family moved from Los Angeles to Altadena, just north of Pasadena. This put them in a mostly African American neighborhood during the 1960s.

Wiggins struggled with his father’s absence throughout his childhood. He felt angry about not having a father figure to guide him. That emotional void would shape his personality and relationships for years.

As a kid, Wiggins saw racial segregation up close. He started playing Little League baseball in the mid-1960s, when Pasadena schools and sports teams were still segregated.

School integration didn’t happen until 1969, so Wiggins experienced racial tension before his teenage years.

Athletic Beginnings at John Muir High School

California’s forced busing program sent Wiggins to John Muir High School in Pasadena. This school meant a lot to him, since baseball legend Jackie Robinson had attended it too.

Wiggins developed a strong sense of racial identity in high school. When a white classmate showed him a Jackie Robinson baseball card, Wiggins pressured the student into giving it to him. He believed he deserved the card more because he was black, showing an early sense of entitlement.

His baseball skills took off during high school. Wiggins had several strong seasons playing for John Muir High’s baseball team.

College scouts noticed his performances, setting the stage for his future career.

The combination of athletic talent and racial awareness shaped Wiggins’ worldview during these years. His experiences at John Muir would influence both his playing style and his approach to racial issues throughout his life.

Pasadena Community College Years

After graduating from John Muir, Wiggins enrolled at Pasadena Community College in 1976. He kept following Jackie Robinson’s path, since Robinson had attended PCC decades earlier.

At Pasadena Community College, Wiggins played baseball and kept developing his skills. His speed and athleticism made him an attractive prospect for pro scouts who came to college games.

During his time at PCC, Wiggins read The Autobiography of Malcolm X. That book deeply affected his personality and outlook. He got interested in studying Malcolm X and Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad.

This interest stuck with him for years and influenced both good and bad aspects of his character.

His baseball performance at PCC impressed scouts. The California Angels picked him as the eighth overall selection in the regular phase of the January 1977 MLB Draft.

He signed with the Angels for $2,500 in May 1977, after finishing his college season.

Minor League Journey

Alan Wiggins started his pro baseball career after the California Angels picked him seventh overall in the 1977 draft. His time in the minors was marked by impressive speed and stolen base records, but also off-field issues that eventually led to his exit from the Dodgers organization.

Draft by California Angels and Early Performance

The California Angels made Wiggins their seventh overall pick in the 1977 MLB draft. They clearly believed in his athletic ability and potential.

He began his minor league career in the Angels’ farm system. Right away, his natural speed stood out on the field. He showed promise as an outfielder in his first seasons.

The Angels tried to develop his overall game. Still, his time with them didn’t last long compared to his later minor league stints.

Time with Los Angeles Dodgers Organizations

Wiggins eventually joined the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, where he spent most of his minor league career. The Dodgers system gave him chances to play for several affiliate teams.

He played for the Lodi Dodgers in the California League. That level of competition let him refine his skills and show off his base-stealing talent.

The Clinton Dodgers were also part of his journey. Playing in the Midwest League, Wiggins continued to develop while displaying his speed on the bases.

Record-Breaking 1980 Season

The 1980 season became a breakthrough for Wiggins in the minors. His stolen base totals that year set records and highlighted his speed.

Wiggins put up stolen base numbers that caught scouts’ and executives’ attention. Stealing bases became his signature throughout the minors.

But despite his success on the field, 1980 brought legal trouble. Police arrested him for marijuana possession while he was still with the Dodgers. That arrest would have a lasting impact on his career.

Progression Through Minor League Systems

Wiggins moved up through multiple minor league levels during his development years. He showed steady improvement in his overall game, not just base stealing.

He played in the Pacific Coast League, one of the higher levels in the minors. That AAA-level competition prepared him for the jump to the majors.

He also spent time with teams like the Hawaii Islanders. Playing in different leagues and cities helped shape his professional growth.

The Rule 5 Draft played a key role in his path. The Dodgers left him unprotected in the 1980 Rule 5 Draft, probably because of his legal issues rather than a lack of talent.

The San Diego Padres picked him in that draft, setting up his MLB debut.

Major League Baseball Career Highlights

Alan Wiggins made his mark in the majors with his speed and versatility, playing mainly for the San Diego Padres from 1981 to 1985, then wrapping up with the Baltimore Orioles. His best year came in 1984, when he helped the Padres win the National League pennant. Later, he adapted to different positions while facing a mix of challenges during his seven-year MLB career.

San Diego Padres Era and Breakthrough

Wiggins debuted with the San Diego Padres on September 4, 1981, at 23. The Padres grabbed him in the Rule 5 draft from the Dodgers for $25,000 after general manager Jack McKeon saw him shine in one game.

His big breakthrough came in 1984 under manager Dick Williams. Wiggins moved from left field to second base to make room for rookie Carmelo Martinez, which also let Steve Garvey stay at first.

That position change proved crucial to the Padres’ success.

1984 Season Statistics:

• Batting average: .258
• Runs scored: 106 (team record)
• Stolen bases: 70 (team record)
• Walks: 75
• Hits: 154

Manager Dick Williams called Wiggins “the Most Valuable Player in the National League in 1984,” saying, “Without him we don’t win the pennant.” Wiggins’ speed at the top of the lineup helped Tony Gwynn win his first batting title with a .351 average.

In the postseason, Wiggins batted .316 against the Chicago Cubs in the NLCS and hit .364 in the World Series against Detroit.

Baltimore Orioles and the 1985 Trade

After a cocaine relapse in April 1985, the Padres traded Wiggins to the Baltimore Orioles on July 27, 1985. This came after he signed a four-year, $2.5 million contract with San Diego, making him one of baseball’s highest-paid second basemen.

Wiggins struggled to adjust in Baltimore. Orioles fans often booed him because of his drug history, and his performance dropped off. Sometimes he didn’t run out ground balls or showed spotty effort on defense.

Under manager Earl Weaver in 1986 and then Cal Ripken Sr. in 1987, Wiggins kept facing problems. His relationships with teammates got worse, and the team suspended him in July 1987 for fighting with a teammate before a game.

His MLB career ended on September 1, 1987, after he failed a drug test and got suspended indefinitely. He finished his Baltimore stint with declining stats and ongoing personal issues.

Key Roles as a Second Baseman and Outfielder

Wiggins showed impressive versatility, switching between several positions. He started as a second baseman in the minors, then the Padres moved him to outfield in 1981.

As a leadoff hitter, Wiggins excelled at getting on base and creating scoring chances. His 70 stolen bases in 1984 set a franchise record and helped pitchers throw more fastballs to Tony Gwynn, which boosted the team’s offense.

Position Breakdown:

• Left Field: Main spot from 1981-1983
• Second Base: Moved there permanently in 1984
• Center Field: Filled in occasionally
• First Base: Brief stint during Steve Garvey’s injury

His defense at second base got better over 1984, even though he struggled early. He made 11 errors in his first 29 games but only 21 more the rest of the season.

Wiggins finished with a career .259 batting average, 5 home runs, and 118 RBIs across 631 games from 1981 to 1987.

Standout 1984 Season and Impact

Wiggins hit his peak in 1984, leading the Padres to their first National League pennant. His 106 runs scored set a franchise record, and his 70 stolen bases plus his partnership with Tony Gwynn were crucial to the team’s run.

Team Success in NLCS and World Series

The 1984 postseason showed Wiggins at his best when it mattered most. He batted .316 against the Chicago Cubs in the NLCS and helped the Padres win their first pennant.

In Game 5 of the NLCS, Wiggins went 2-for-3 with two runs scored in the clinching win over Chicago.

He kept it going in the World Series against the Detroit Tigers, collecting eight hits and posting a .364 average over five games.

Even though the Tigers won the championship, Wiggins finished second among Padres hitters with his .364 average, just behind Kurt Bevacqua’s .410. His steady offense in both playoff series showed he could perform under pressure.

Manager Dick Williams later praised Wiggins, saying he was “the Most Valuable Player in the National League in 1984” and “without him we don’t win the pennant.”

Collaboration with Tony Gwynn

Wiggins, as leadoff hitter, set up Tony Gwynn for his breakout season. Batting just ahead of Gwynn, Wiggins’ speed forced pitchers into predictable patterns.

With Wiggins threatening to steal, pitchers threw more fastballs to stay in control. That actually helped Gwynn, who thrived against fastballs.

The numbers back it up. Gwynn batted an incredible .412 when Wiggins reached base, compared to his overall .351 average that year.

Wiggins’ 75 walks and 154 hits gave Gwynn plenty of chances. His knack for getting on base let Gwynn drive him in while facing better counts.

This partnership helped Gwynn win his first of eight National League batting titles. The combo of a speedy leadoff man and a contact hitter became a model for offensive efficiency.

Stolen Bases and Offensive Records

Wiggins set multiple franchise records during his memorable 1984 season. He swiped 70 bases, breaking his own team record of 66 from the year before.

He scored 106 runs, setting a new standard for the Padres. That number really shows how effective he was at getting on base and making things happen.

Opposing defenses always had to keep an eye on his speed. On May 17, 1984, Wiggins stole five bases in a single game, a Padres record that still stands.

He batted just .258 that year, but his other offensive numbers made a big difference. Wiggins collected 154 hits and drew 75 walks, proving he could get on base in more than one way.

He moved from the outfield to second base, but that shift didn’t slow down his bat. Sure, he committed 32 errors, but his speed and hitting made him vital to the Padres’ championship push.

Personal Challenges and Struggles

Alan Wiggins faced some heavy personal struggles during his career, especially with cocaine dependency that led to several suspensions. These problems started in the minor leagues and continued, even though he got support from the community and his team.

Drug Addiction and Suspensions

Wiggins first ran into legal trouble with marijuana arrests in 1980 while playing for Lodi in the California League, and again in 1981 with Hawaii. Things got much worse on July 21, 1982, when police arrested him at 2:30 a.m. with a gram of cocaine.

MLB rules at the time didn’t penalize players who asked for help, but because Wiggins’ cocaine dependency came out after his arrest, he got a 30-day suspension. He went through rehab at the Orange County Rehabilitation Center in Anaheim from August 20 to September 19, 1982.

He stayed clean through 1983, but relapsed in April 1985. When he missed a four-game series against the Dodgers on April 25, the team started looking for him. The Padres finally heard from a Minnesota rehab center and learned Wiggins had checked himself in for treatment.

Joan Kroc, the team owner’s wife, was furious about the relapse. She said Wiggins would never play for the Padres again. Donald Fehr, the players association counsel, pushed back and threatened legal action to force the team to activate Wiggins when he finished treatment.

Media Attention and Community Outreach

Ironically, Wiggins worked with the San Diego Police Department to counsel kids about drug abuse, even as he fought his own addiction. Padres president Ballard Smith praised his community work, saying he “worked with the San Diego Police Department for counseling youths about drug abuse.”

The Padres started Operation Cork in 1976 under Joan Kroc to raise awareness about chemical dependency. By 1980, they’d set up one of the first employee assistance programs for players and staff struggling with alcohol and drugs.

Wiggins got all the printed materials the team had about chemical dependency. But his public role as a drug counselor clashed sharply with his private battles.

Life After Baseball Retirement in 1987

On September 1, 1987, Wiggins failed a drug test and the league suspended him indefinitely, which ended his baseball career. He kept using cocaine after he retired and contracted HIV through needle use.

His guaranteed contract paid him through 1988, but the addiction didn’t let up. In November 1990, doctors admitted Wiggins to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles with AIDS-related complications, including pneumonia and tuberculosis.

He drifted in and out of consciousness for about a month. Wiggins died on January 6, 1991, at age 32.

He became the first known major league player to die from AIDS. Only two former teammates, Steve Garvey and Lee Lacy, attended his funeral.

His wife Angie shielded their three children from the rough parts of his life, focusing on good memories and encouraging them to play basketball instead of baseball.

Legacy, Death, and Family Influence

Alan Wiggins died at 32 from AIDS-related complications, making him the first known MLB player to die from the disease. His death hit his three children hard, especially his daughter Candice, who pushed through the stigma and became a successful WNBA player.

Health Issues and Cause of Death

Wiggins’ cocaine addiction led him to use needles, which caused his HIV infection. His drug problems got worse after his 1987 suspension for a failed drug test.

In November 1990, doctors admitted Wiggins to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He suffered from several AIDS-related complications, like pneumonia and tuberculosis.

He stayed in the hospital for about a month, drifting in and out of consciousness as things got worse.

Wiggins died on January 6, 1991, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. His family and hospital staff didn’t publicly confirm the cause of death, but family and friends said he died from AIDS-related complications.

Only two former teammates, Steve Garvey and Lee Lacy, showed up at his funeral. His drug problems had left him isolated from much of baseball.

First MLB Player Lost to AIDS

Wiggins became the first known Major League Baseball player to die from AIDS. His death happened during the height of the AIDS crisis in America.

The stigma around AIDS in 1991 made things even tougher for his family. People feared the disease, and discrimination was everywhere.

His story brought attention to the link between drug abuse and HIV transmission. Wiggins contracted HIV through needle use tied to his cocaine addiction.

The baseball world didn’t know how to handle AIDS-related deaths back then. Hardly anyone talked about his cause of death at the time.

Family Impact and Candice Wiggins

Wiggins left behind his wife, Angie, and their three kids: Cassandra, Alan Jr., and Candice.

Angie decided to share only good memories about their father with the children.

She nudged all three toward basketball, steering them away from baseball, which had been their dad’s thing. Maybe she just wanted to spare them the constant reminders of his rough career.

Each child ended up earning a college basketball scholarship. Cassandra went to New York University. Alan Jr. picked the University of San Francisco. Candice landed a scholarship at Stanford.

Candice Wiggins really stood out among her siblings as an athlete.

She had a fantastic college run at Stanford, then jumped to the WNBA.

Candice has talked openly about moving past the shame of her father’s AIDS-related death. She turned her father’s story into motivation, becoming one of the WNBA’s toughest players, both on and off the court. If anything, she refused to let it define her in a negative way, and honestly, that’s pretty inspiring.

You can read more about her father’s story here.