And, in violation of a court ruling, Garvey unilaterally decided to cut in half the amount of child support he was ordered to pay for a son he had out of wedlock. Just last year a judge threatened to jail Garvey if he failed to make payments in the future.
Until two years ago, Garvey and his wife lived in a $5-million mansion overlooking Utah's world-renowned ski resorts. Yet despite the appearance of wealth, Garvey -- under penalty of perjury -- has repeatedly said in court declarations that he is deeply in debt.
In a two-hour interview with The Times, Garvey acknowledged having chronic financial problems but declined to publicly address specific information contained in this article. Speaking generally, he blamed his debt on a combination of tax liabilities, financial support for most of his nine children and stepchildren and costly legal battles over business and personal affairs.
"Do I expect to pay every debt? Do I want to? Absolutely," said Garvey, now living in Southern California. "The day I'm able to be debt-free is the day I'm going to be the happiest guy around."
Later, in a prepared statement, Garvey added that he was saddened by "the misuse of the L.A. Times by outside sources who clearly are intent on defaming myself and my family. I could positively address each issue but that would only validate this vicious abuse of a private family."
People owed money by Garvey see themselves, not Garvey, as the victims. Attorneys who have sued him, for instance, believe he has more money than he is letting on and allege that he has hidden assets.
Quipped one attorney trying to collect on a $235,000 debt owed by Garvey:
"Once a Dodger, always a dodger."
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More than 20 years after his last at-bat as a Dodger, Garvey's legacy in Los Angeles endures. The Dodgers keep Garvey on the payroll to make public appearances on the club's behalf. He was at Dodger Stadium for opening day last week, and fans who attend the team's July 28 game against the Washington Nationals will receive a Steve Garvey bobble-head doll.
Garvey was a 10-time All-Star and four-time winner of a Gold Glove, given for defensive skill. He was the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1974 and playoff MVP in 1974, 1977 and 1984. He appeared in five World Series.
After 14 years with the Dodgers, Garvey signed with the San Diego Padres for the 1983 season. He retired five years later. At the time, his image as a strait-laced family man was tarnished by revelations that he had fathered two children out of wedlock. But the scandal was short-lived.
