Documentary Will Premiere at San Diego Film Festival
The new film, Alone on the Mound, explores the life and career of former San Diego Padres pitcher Eric Show.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Baseball
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Filmmakers Tom Friend and John Condit will debut their documentary at the San Diego International Film Festival, which runs from October 13 to 18, 2026. The project examines the legacy of Eric Show, a pitcher who won 100 games for the Padres.
Why it matters
The documentary offers a comprehensive look at Show, who is often remembered for being on the mound when Pete Rose recorded his record-breaking 4,192nd career hit in 1985. It provides historical context to the life of a player who died at age 37.
Eric Show recorded 100 career wins with the San Diego Padres before his death at age 37. He is statistically linked to Pete Rose's 4,192nd career hit, which occurred during a 3-2 Padres victory over the Cincinnati Reds.
The players
Eric Show
He was a professional baseball pitcher who played for the San Diego Padres and recorded 100 career wins.
Tom Friend
He is a journalist and filmmaker who previously reported on the life of Eric Show for ESPN.
John Condit
He is a Carlsbad-based filmmaker who co-directed the documentary titled Alone on the Mound.
Pete Rose
He is a former professional baseball player who holds the record for the most career hits in MLB history.
The details
Co-directed by Tom Friend and John Condit, the film Alone on the Mound utilizes interviews with Show's family members and incorporates reporting from a 2010 ESPN story. The narrative focuses on the life of the pitcher, including his death in 1994 at a drug treatment center in Dulzura.
Timeline
September 11, 1985: Pete Rose broke the all-time hits record against Eric Show.
March 16, 1994: Eric Show died of an accidental drug overdose in Dulzura.
2010: Tom Friend reported an ESPN story regarding the pitcher.
October 13-18, 2026: The film premieres at the 25th annual San Diego International Film Festival.
Season Trajectory
The documentary provides a retrospective look at the San Diego Padres' franchise history. It situates the legacy of Eric Show against the broader context of significant MLB records that continue to define the sport's historical standing.
The film debut at the festival marks a milestone for the 25th annual event in San Diego. Viewers interested in franchise history will gain specific insights into the life and career of a pitcher who remains a central figure in the history of the Padres.
The takeaway
Documentaries focusing on historic players often reveal complex human stories behind record-breaking athletic moments. Fans of the sport may find that exploring these individual histories offers a deeper understanding of the personal sacrifices behind the game.
Further reading
Learn more about local franchise history at San Diego Baseball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Coast News.
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