Tony Gwynn was one of the first role models I ever had outside my father. It gets said so often these days about a great many people, but Mr. Gwynn defined the word "class". The batting titles, the .394 (would've been .400) season, the countless hits, the FIFTEEN TOTAL strikeouts throughout the ENTIRE '95 season- these pale in comparison to the incredible kindness that emanated from #19. He never gave any San Diegan any reason to doubt his character or his unnecessary sense of obligation to the city that loved the hell out of him. Barry Bonds asking kids to pay him for a signed baseball? Tony Gwynn would get up from his booth at the restaurant to sign a little leaguer's ball and THEN spend ten minutes talking hitting with him. While his skill with the lumber came from an insane amount of work ethic and dedication to the game, his kindness and his humility must have been a gift from some higher power. When I think back to the best days of my childhood, the first image I'm always gonna see is a blue-and-orange 19 framed in pinstripes, running up a dusty first bast line at the Murph on the way to yet another hit. I'll never forget being five years old, standing in line to shake his hand and have him sign his "Tony Gwynn's Total Baseball" book that was my little league bible. He acted like he had all the time in the world to talk to me. Unlike a lot of towns, we may not have reached the promised land in San Diego yet, title-wise. But we can say we've had a better role model than just about any of 'em. Rest in peace Tony. Hero of my youth, role model to an entire city, namesake of my first pet, artist with the bat (AND the glove- let's not forget the 5 Gold Gloves), LOYAL San Diegan throughout life and career, and reason for faith in the goodness of man. I'm sad as hell that you're no longer with us. But one day you're gonna teach my son how to hit, too.

The Hall of Fame remembers Tony Gwynn. #MrPadre

@DukeBeasley

10 жыл бұрын

RIP Mr. Gwynn. Greatest work ethic in the game.

Love you Tony! Will never forget you! RIP Mr Padre

RIP, Tony. You are the best.

You will be missed, one of the best!!!!

R.I.P. Tony Gwynn. You were definitely the best hitter I've had the joy of watching. I knew when I saw you playing that you were a guaranteed HOF. Just can't believe you got "only" 98% of the vote. Just what does a man have to do to get 100%????

At the old Murph, I used to look at the GAP signs in the alleys...and think 'Tony owns those'. And he sure did.

Thanks for the memories Tony. San Diego lost a legend. RIP

one of the best "pure hitters" to have ever played the game. R.I.P. Tony Gwynn. You left too soon.

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING TONY I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU AND ALL YOU DID FOR SAN DIEGO AND MLB NO ONE CAN EVER REPLACE YOU MR SAN DIEGO AND MOST OF ALL MR PADRE I DONT KNOW HOW WE CAN GO ON WITHOUT YOU.................

One of the rare modern day ball players that no one can say a negative thing about him, everybody loved and respected Mr. Tony Gwynn. R.I.P. the sports world has lost a true role model....

Loved his game, as a player and his work with ESPN behind the mic - RIP.

When I finally visit the HOF I will proudly wear my Gwynn jersey.

Rest in Peace Tony, baseball will never forget you!!!

R.I.P.

RIP! You will be miss here in San Diego. Thank you for the sweet memory.

I remember Tony Gywnn a good player or a great player for the San Diego Baseball team or the all of the MLB and he was the guy I new who can get hits and for great average to and the year came he did it and another year came he did it again and again and his later years too and he had went to the hall of Fame is was something special for the team club etc and when he went to the Hall of Fame he had went with Cal Ripken Jr. and they were two of the top best players during the 1980's and 1990's. And Tony Gwynn was probably my best player in baseball then or was during those late 1980's and early 1990's YOU DESERVE OF THE AVERAGE FOR A .398 to .400 OR A LITTLE HIGHER,for the year when baseball went on strike and they or Tony Gywnn did not have a chance to play a full season to reach that high mark of .400 average. He was like Tris Speaker(Red Sox or Indians team) or Chuck Klein(of the Twins team) of the earlier baseball baseball players!

It is hard to imagine Tony Gwynn Sr. passed away already.

R.I.P. to one of my favorite players to ever play the game of baseball Tony Gwynn. :(

R.I.P.