Posted on 06/16/2014 8:41:57 AM PDT by Borges
Tony Gwynn, who banged out 3,141 hits during a Hall of Fame career spanning 20 seasons with the San Diego Padres, has died of cancer at age 54, it was announced Monday.
(Excerpt) Read more at espn.go.com ...
So sad. One of the sweetest, classiest guys to ever play the game.
54. Way too young.
He would of hit .400 in ‘94, except for the strike. He was in a groove when the strike stopped the season and was hitting .394 at that point. Still the highest since Williams hit .406 on ‘41.
BTTT, what you said.
RIP Tony and thanks for the memories.
Condolences to his family, friends, and team mates.
How sad!
OH NO! To me, Tony Gwynn was one of the last great spokesman for Baseball. He played his entire career in San Diego and was beloved there. A class act. RIP, Tony.
I agree. Very impressive in front of the camera - classy, humble, spoke eloquently, and acted like an adult.
RIP for a great player.
I loved his laugh.
He was a great Ambassador for baseball. This is incredibly sad. RIP Tony, you have left us way to soon. My sympathy to Tony’s family and loved ones.
As great a ball player as he was, he was an even better man and human being. RIP and God bless, Tony. Well done.
Mouth cancer apparently . . . all of that tobacco chew took out a lot of the old timers.
A true gentleman. I have a friend whose father was confined to a wheelchair for the last years of his life. He was a huge sports fan. His son would take him to games and the teams did their best to accommodate him.
They had a special parking area for handicapped fans that was next to the players’ entrance at Three Rivers Stadium. Gwynn was leaving after the game and saw my friend loading his dad into the van. Gwynn went out of his way to walk over to my friend’s dad, introduce himself, shake his hand and say “Thank you for coming out to watch me play today”.
A true class individual all the way.
Very impressive in front of the camera - classy, humble, spoke eloquently, and acted like an adult
I agree
Unfortunately the time I saw him in person after the SD State game where he was coaching following retirement, not so much.
Politely asked Mr. Gwynn for an autograph as he was leaving the field. He did not have time nor the inclination to honor my request.
Amazing how so many of these athletes have an on screen persona which stands in contrast to their derision of the common folk.
Other names come to mind, Michael Young, Derek Jeter, Willie Mays.
Thankfully baseball’s greatest living legend Nolan Ryan never lost his respect for the fans. I always remember him saying that he always wanted to go out and make the fans feel like they got their money’s worth when he pitched. I have met him numerous times and can vouch for his class.
Darn right. Total class, a gentleman.
Wow! Didn’t know he had cancer. Very sad. Way too young.
Mr. Padre. When I lived in San Diego in the `80s Tony seemed to be involved in every charitable event. He used his fame to benefit an untold amount of lives. A class person all the way. Farewell Mr. Padre. You truly were one of the good guys.
sorry to hear. a respected pro. RIP.
Politely asked Mr. Gwynn for an autograph as he was leaving the field. He did not have time nor the inclination to honor my request.
Amazing how so many of these athletes have an on screen persona which stands in contrast to their derision of the common folk.
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You sure have read an awful lot into his denial of your autograph seeking.
Derision? He ridiculed you? Treated you with contempt?
Really? How so?
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