Show Is Scheduled to Pitch in Chicago, a Town Where He Isn’t Exactly Popular

As if the Padres were lacking in challenges, circumstances will hand them yet another large one next week in Chicago.

In one of the two midweek games at Wrigley Field against the Cubs--probably Thursday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. PDT--the Padre pitcher will be Eric Show.

It will be Show’s first public appearance in Chicago since last July 7, when he nearly caused a riot by hitting Chicago star Andre Dawson in the head. Show left Wrigley Field immediately after the incident and did not reappear until two days later, to board the team bus to the airport.

Since that was the Padres’ last trip of the season to Chicago, Show has not been back since.

Because of the potentially volatile reaction--Show was forced to change Chicago hotel rooms last year to ensure his safety--some wondered whether he would make either trip into Chicago this year. Most assumed that either way, he would not pitch. They have assumed wrong.

In keeping with his spot in the rotation, Show will pitch in Pittsburgh this weekend, and then, after four days’ rest, will be in line for the Padres’ Wednesday-Thursday series in Chicago.

“It’s my turn to pitch. It’s something you’ve got to do; it’s part of the job,” Show said Tuesday, accepting this start with the same even temperament as he accepts all others. “I’ve heard that Dawson considers the issue buried. I feel similar.”