Celebrating a decade of heart and soul interviews, Channel 4 San Diego's signature program One on One with Jane Mitchell dips into its video vault with One on One with Jane Mitchell Classic.
Featured this second year of the Classic series are all time-favorites and key figures in Padres and Chargers sports history including Tim Flannery, Larry Lucchino, Dave Stewart, Junior Seau and Doug Flutie. Jane Mitchell updates their stories since the original program debuted. It's an opportunity for newcomers to watch them for the first time or for long-time Channel 4 viewers to re-live the life journeys of members of the Padres and Chargers families. Celebrate the history of the teams and the special, insightful, personal conversations, pictures and personalities revealed when a fan favorite - past or present - was featured on One on One.
One of the most popular players ever to wear the Padres uniform, Tim Flannery is a former utility infielder and third-base coach who won admirers with his numerous displays of heart, both on and off the field. This Classic edition from 1997 revisits the original show offering an intimate profile of Flannery, his playing and coaching careers, and his burgeoning second career as a singer and songwriter.
During his tenure as the Padres president, Larry Lucchino's goal for the Padres was to be as much a part of San Diego's pride and culture as the San Diego Zoo. What he, or we, might not have realized along the way was that he was leaving his mark in San Diego, as well. Namely -being a key part of the eventual building of a new ballpark.
At the time of this 1997 edition, it wasn't easy to catch up with the energetic minority partner of the Padres. But when he did sit and talk about himself at length, one clear slogan emerged for both his personal and professional goals. The slogan? "It can be done."
Say the name Steve Finely to long-time Padres fans and you'll evoke memories of a dazzling center fielder with modesty, marquee good looks and generosity all wrapped up in a low-key personality. In the spring of 1998, Steve Finely was still considered by some to be the best kept secret in the baseball. And even though he's traveled around the game for a decade since, he's part of Padres history. In this original One on One from 1998 we explore the story of a kid from Kentucky living the California and baseball dream.
During his 15-year career as a Major League pitcher Dave Stewart was one of the toughest competitors in the game. In this 1998 edition, his one season as the Padres' pitching coach, the four-time, 20-game winner and owner of three World Series championship rings instilled that same toughness in the San Diego pitching staff, helping them and the team get to the World Series.
In 2000, Alan Trammel was roaming a baseball diamond once more. This time as the Padres' First Base Coach. A World Series hero, Hall of Fame prospect, even on Magnum P-I - his story is quite a Detroit Tigers tale with a new chapter: "coming home." He's a Kearny High School graduate who lived to go to Padres games as a kid. It is rare - especially in baseball -- to have events align in such a way as to allow someone to come full circle, to have a dream, fulfill it, then return to the place where it all began not just for a visit. The rarity is not lost on Alan Trammell whose enthusiasm over that opportunity was contagious.
While he's now in a different uniform, former San Diego Padre Ryan Klesko was a Padres fan favorite. A Southern California boy with country charm. On the field, in the spotlight or in nature, he lives life to the max. Throughout his career people have formed all kinds of impressions about him. When he was with the Braves, most Padres fans considered him a big, mean-looking guy with lots of power and not a lot of personality. Padres fans were in for a pleasant surprise. This 2001 classic features his professional, personal and spiritual journey. Experience a visit to Klesko's winter home, a Georgia ranch: a day that starts at 4:30 in the morning for hunting, hiking, an in-depth interview and mid-night work out session.
More than anyone else Jane Mitchell has interviewed for One on One people inquire most about interviewing the legendary Ted Williams. One interview resulted in two shows. A half-hour comprehensive life story in 2000 and a second show with parts of the interview not previously aired. In this edition debuting in 2003, Jane Mitchell re-visits what's believed to be Williams' last in-depth television interview about his life. Viewers will experience the conversation with this icon. Jane shares about her personal experience of preparing for the sit-down and about the behind the scenes moments of meeting the San Diego native. These scenes and various portions of the interview had never been shown before, as they'd been in the Channel 4 San Diego archives since that day's photo shoot at the San Diego Hall of Champions.
Dave Roberts came home to San Diego to play for the team he watched growing up - the San Diego Padres. The speedy centerfielder is a Rancho Buena Vista High School grad who has never forgotten his roots and has long supported his school. In this 2005 edition, Jane Mitchell dips into the yearbooks and highlight reels to see the Prom King and 3-sport star in action and hear about what Dave was like on his way to the big leagues. But his story is not only about coming home. It's about being ready for when opportunity knocks. Namely, pulling off what's been dubbed "the steal of the century" that turned the tide for the Boston Red Sox in 2004. His speed, smarts and great personality make for a fun, energetic Classic interview with Dave and his family.
From his humble beginnings to his high profile status in San Diego and the National Football League, Junior Seau has had quite a journey. One that's a reality check on how tough the game of football is and how hard it is, sometimes, to give it up. Junior Seau was traded to the Miami Dolphins in the spring of 03 then released after injuries kept him off the field. He officially retired with the Chargers in August of '06 calling it his "graduation" vowing to keep working. He did. Within 4 days he accepted an invitation to sign with the New England Patriots. We first explored his story One on One in 1999 and again in 2003. And while he and the Chargers have seen many changes, the core of what makes Junior Seau a local icon remains the same.
Former San Diego Chargers Quarterback Doug Flutie defied age and NFL prototypes as he made a splash and a statement on the gridiron. In this 2001 edition, follow the journey that's took Flutie from Pop Warner to Heisman Trophy winner, from Canadian Football champion to his dream job - a starting quarterback in the NFL - at 39 years old. It's a journey laden with success and frustration, as this underdog had to overcome the obstacles of the typical requirements for a team's top spot. His size? Barely 5'10", 178 pounds. But, Flutie's winning make up of smarts and instinct are only part of his story. His compassion as a father of two... one with autism... will melt your heart. Married to his high school sweetheart Laurie, Flutie puts family first and is using his position as a celebrity to champion the cause of Autism in the name of his son.