As a native San Diegan, one who grew up idolizing Tony, seeing the love for him from around the country was something else. We here knew he was special. We just didn't know if everyone else did to, or was he lost in the sunshine of San Diego. He wasn't. He died 25 years too early. He had too much left to give to baseball. He wasn't done yet, but his body was. RIP Tony. You brought me some of my fondest memories as a child.
My first ever baseball game was September 6th, 1989--San Diego Padres versus the Houston Astros at the Astrodome. We sat along the first base line, towards right field. My late father explained to me that the man standing in right field for the Padres was the best hitter in baseball. I'll always love Tony Gwynn--I shared an amazing moment with my father because of him, jerry-curl in all.
I remember when Tony passed on and so many comments around the internet of fans meeting him and nobody had one bad word to say about him. He was a genuinely good dude. I imagine a lot of players being the best pure hitter in the game would have a extreme ego, but not Gwynn. RIP Mr. Padre. You will always be remember as one of the greatest humans to play the game.
I was a Padres fan living in San Diego for a large portion of his career. Besides being a great hitter and a great player for the team he was truly a great guy. Humble and genuine as they get. He is a legend and a great example for young future ballplayers on how to do it the right way. Seldom could anyone say a bad word about him because he was kind and dedicated to his craft. RIP Tony Gwynn. One of the great players in MLB history.
I sure do miss you Tony. Along with millions of other fans nation wide. You've touched so many people off the field in San Diego being the kind man we'll always remember #19
Insane Stats #19: Tony Gwynn Career: Yrs: 20 S/D Padres, GP: 2,441 A/B: 9,288 S/O: 434 ??? B/A: .338" Most S/O season (1988): 40 Such insane stats for any baseball player ever. Now that's a Legend.
What a hitter ! and what a person ! I met Tony when I worked for the Detroit Tigers in 84, we talked as if we knew each other for years ! When I asked for one of his game bats, he didn't hesitate to give me one, I cherish it, and cherish talking with him ! There will never be another hitter to even come close to him ! Thanks so much, for a time that will last for the rest of my life ! r.i.p Tony !
Gwynn was a pleasure to watch play. His control of a baseball bat was extra worldly for want of any words that accurately describe his abilities. The man was the best hitter I ever watched play. I didn't see Williams, but I have seen a lot of great hitters, and Gwynn was the best of them. RIP Tony.
The thing also is: it didn't start that way. In the middle of his second season, his average had dipped to .229 at one point. At that point, he carried a camera with him on road trips and had his wife record his plat appearances. Gwynn recovered to finish that season with a .309 BA and never hit below that for a season for the remainder of his career.
I watched Tony play basketball with Michael Cage and baseball at San Diego State.I remember the padres drafting Tony but so did the clippers of the NBA. I was ecstatic when he chose baseball over basketball. He was just an outstanding and giving man who like myself, love and miss Tony and his infectious personality.
All of those hits...without the use of steroids...there will never be another Mr. Padre, no one will ever take his place, no matter the average or the home runs. Tony Gywnn is and always will be San Diego's own.
i met him at a little league training event that he was running when i was a kid (in san diego). received 8 hours of pure wisdom & technique from him. i definitely took that day for granted not knowing how soon he would pass.
The first time I saw Tony hit I told my oldest brother, This guy hits like Rod Carew. Little did I know he would be even better. Not to take anything from Carew he was great too but Tony was on our team!
Sad to lose Tony. I remember early 90s driving up the 15 one day just south of Poway and he passed me in his car. I knew it was him cuz his plates said "Padre19".
Look up his mind boggling stats and batting titles and you'll see why he's the greatest pure hitter ever. He dominated in thr steroid era and against the elite HOF pitchers. Best hitter I ever saw
A good man, a great man. And man -- that swing. Nice and smooth, like Rod Carew. I would have liked to see him hit the ball harder. Williams said that the object of hitting was to hit the hard, to drive it. Of course, who can argue with a career .338? And a high slugging percentage (all those doubles, I guess). Four and half percent strike out. A brick wall: if you throw it against him the ball will come back.
I miss these types of players. It seems now that everyone is swinging for the fences. No more small ball and strategy. In the age of sabermetrics, players should learn to be more unpredictable and go back to learning how to hit for average and producing runs by learning how to swing late to make the ball go to the opposite field, throw off the infield, and advance runners in hit and run situations. You just don't see much of that anymore. I remember a game back in the late 80s, Houston vs Montreal. Rock Raines got to first on a drag bunt. Then stole second base, then stole third base. Distracted the hell out of the Houston pitcher. The 2nd hitter in the Expos line up hit it hard and flied out to deep center field. Rock Raines easily just tagged and ran home to score and go up 1-0. Just like that, in the first inning and only one out. Old fashioned small ball, that worked. You may be thinking, "yeah, well a home run could have done that". But the problem is that not everyone is a strong home run hitter. Everyone, however, is strong enough to be a hitter that hits for average and brings in runs. Unfortunately, America got too addicted to home runs during the steroid era from the early 1990s to the mid 2000s. About 15 years of balls hit so hard the bat made that crack sounds and balls ended up in the upper levels of the outfield seats. All this to make the fans go WOW and AHHHH. They just can't seem to let go and remember that baseball is, or once was, a game of strategy and unpredictability.
He had speed but not blazing speed like Ichiro. He could hit, but didn't play as long as Rose. But, for my money Tony might be the best pure contact hitter that has ever lived.
I might be losing my mind but I sure as hell didn't forget seeing Gwynn's last all star game. The caption should say 1999 (Boston), not 2001 (Seattle).
could have been a Dodger. a Yankee, a Cub, or a Red Sox Instead, he was a PADRE!! From a Aztec to US!!! He's playing right now with Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Roberto Clemente and other legends of baseball in the heavens. Thank you Tony from an Aztec alumnus and Padre follower. God bless you.
There is 10 things out there that Peter rose will not get into the HoW #1 is Tony Gwynn's bust is there till the sun don't shine and the moon does not glow.....
I'm only 25, so I didn't witness him during his prime, but could an older, knowledgeable fan tell me what made him Hall of Fame worthy? I'm not trying to be disrespectful. I understand his career batting average is among the highest of any player, but his OBP and SLG are fairly low for a Hall of Famer, and from what I can tell, he was pretty weak defensively. Once again, I mean no disrespect, so please don't take offense. I'm aware he was great, I just want to understand what put him among the greatest.
The Gold Glove award is a joke, and the All Star game is a popularity contest. Derek Jeter is a 5x Gold Glove winner and he was the worst defensive shortstop in the league while he played.
could have been a Dodger. a Yankee, a Cub, or a Red Sox Instead, he was a PADRE!! From a Aztec to US!!! He's playing right now with Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Roberto Clemente and other legends of baseball in the heavens. Thank you Tony from an Aztec alumnus and Padre follower. God bless you.
He epitomizes what a true gentleman of the game he was. Tony Gwynn was in a very true sense MR.BASEBALL. Having grown up a San Diego Padres fan from their birth in 1968 to present, he was what made going to Jack Murphy Stadium win or lose always an enjoyable time. Because you knew when Tony was playing there was always excitement. At one point I witnessed him hit the most pitch and ran off an inside the park Homer and I also saw him at his lowest. I am not sure if it was his only time, but he argued balls and strikes with the home plate umpire during his first at bat. That was the day after Steve Garvey had his #6 retired. A true sportsman, we miss you!!!
RIP to one of the best hitters in my lifetime. Pure class.
As a native San Diegan, one who grew up idolizing Tony, seeing the love for him from around the country was something else.
We here knew he was special. We just didn't know if everyone else did to, or was he lost in the sunshine of San Diego. He wasn't.
He died 25 years too early. He had too much left to give to baseball. He wasn't done yet, but his body was.
RIP Tony. You brought me some of my fondest memories as a child.
Tony Gwynn never shied away from the attention but ALWAYS stayed humble...you don't see that a lot!
My first ever baseball game was September 6th, 1989--San Diego Padres versus the Houston Astros at the Astrodome. We sat along the first base line, towards right field. My late father explained to me that the man standing in right field for the Padres was the best hitter in baseball. I'll always love Tony Gwynn--I shared an amazing moment with my father because of him, jerry-curl in all.
Baseball is the greatest sport in the world because of the everlasting memories it creates
A Texan native. Navy Vet. I spent 17 yrs here and became not only a Padre but huge TG fan. Your still missed to this day
Tony is the definition of a class act. So happy I got to see him play as a kid. Greatest hitter of his generation and maybe all time
I remember when Tony passed on and so many comments around the internet of fans meeting him and nobody had one bad word to say about him.
He was a genuinely good dude. I imagine a lot of players being the best pure hitter in the game would have a extreme ego, but not Gwynn.
RIP Mr. Padre. You will always be remember as one of the greatest humans to play the game.
I was a Padres fan living in San Diego for a large portion of his career. Besides being a great hitter and a great player for the team he was truly a great guy. Humble and genuine as they get. He is a legend and a great example for young future ballplayers on how to do it the right way. Seldom could anyone say a bad word about him because he was kind and dedicated to his craft. RIP Tony Gwynn. One of the great players in MLB history.
Tremendous amounts of respect for sticking with us all those years. Mr. Padre for life
I watched Tony live from 1993-2001. He owned the GAP signs at the Murph. More lifetime doubles than strikeouts!
I'll never forget when my dad and I jumped up from the couch after Tony Gwynn hit a home run in the World Series and at the old Yankees stadium.
So.lucky to have seen guys like Tony, Rod Carew, Wade Boggs, and Ichiro, only I never got to see Tony in person. The artistry of hitting is gone. RIP.
Tony and Ichiro .. my 2 top favs of all time. We miss you Tony
Probably the 2 best hitters during millenials' lifetimes.
I sure do miss you Tony. Along with millions of other fans nation wide. You've touched so many people off the field in San Diego being the kind man we'll always remember #19
An underrated fielder and baserunning in his early days
One of the best players in MLB, underrated. Nowadays its hard to see players like Tony, Pete Rose, Ricky Henderson etc. R.I.P
I grew up watching him play and wanting to play just like MR Padre... my sisters were dodgers fans. I loved the Padres since I could hold a glove.
Insane Stats #19:
Tony Gwynn Career:
Yrs: 20 S/D Padres,
GP: 2,441
A/B: 9,288
S/O: 434 ???
B/A: .338"
Most S/O season (1988): 40
Such insane stats for any baseball player ever. Now that's a Legend.
Great player, tremendous hitter, and wonderful person and ambassador for the game. We miss you Mr. Padre.
You will live on forever Tony in my heart. Thanks for the wonderful memories.
What a hitter ! and what a person ! I met Tony when I worked for the Detroit Tigers in 84, we talked as if we knew each other for years ! When I asked for one of his game bats, he didn't hesitate to give me one, I cherish it, and cherish talking with him ! There will never be another hitter to even come close to him ! Thanks so much, for a time that will last for the rest of my life ! r.i.p Tony !
RIP Tony Gwynn
Gwynn was a pleasure to watch play. His control of a baseball bat was extra worldly for want of any words that accurately describe his abilities. The man was the best hitter I ever watched play. I didn't see Williams, but I have seen a lot of great hitters, and Gwynn was the best of them. RIP Tony.
The thing also is: it didn't start that way. In the middle of his second season, his average had dipped to .229 at one point. At that point, he carried a camera with him on road trips and had his wife record his plat appearances. Gwynn recovered to finish that season with a .309 BA and never hit below that for a season for the remainder of his career.
One of the greatest hitters of all time. 8 NL Batting Titles!!!!!
I watched Tony play basketball with Michael Cage and baseball at San Diego State.I remember the padres drafting Tony but so did the clippers of the NBA. I was ecstatic when he chose baseball over basketball. He was just an outstanding and giving man who like myself, love and miss Tony and his infectious personality.
All of those hits...without the use of steroids...there will never be another Mr. Padre, no one will ever take his place, no matter the average or the home runs. Tony Gywnn is and always will be San Diego's own.
Rest in peace Tony. Man i miss you....
Tony Gwynn won 8 batting crowns! Won't see that ever again not to mention he hit 370 or higher three times!!!!
Miss you Tony. Wish you could see what Preller has done to this town. Say hi to Jerry for me up there as well. RIP legend
Got the privilege of watching him play for his entire career.
i met him at a little league training event that he was running when i was a kid (in san diego). received 8 hours of pure wisdom & technique from him. i definitely took that day for granted not knowing how soon he would pass.
Man I’ll never forget his voice
That 3,000 hit moment made me tear up momma was right there to celebrate w her baby boy
The first time I saw Tony hit I told my oldest brother, This guy hits like Rod Carew. Little did I know he would be even better. Not to take anything from Carew he was great too but Tony was on our team!
Love that man. Thanks Tony for all the memories!
An excellent ball-player and even better human being.
Greatest contact hitter of all time. Period.
Tony was my guy. R.I.P.
RIP #19 Wonderful Man and Player.
I really miss this guy.
Sad to lose Tony. I remember early 90s driving up the 15 one day just south of Poway and he passed me in his car. I knew it was him cuz his plates said "Padre19".
Best hitter of my lifetime and the kindest athlete ever
Look up his mind boggling stats and batting titles and you'll see why he's the greatest pure hitter ever. He dominated in thr steroid era and against the elite HOF pitchers. Best hitter I ever saw
A good man, a great man. And man -- that swing. Nice and smooth, like Rod Carew. I would have liked to see him hit the ball harder. Williams said that the object of hitting was to hit the hard, to drive it.
Of course, who can argue with a career .338? And a high slugging percentage (all those doubles, I guess). Four and half percent strike out. A brick wall: if you throw it against him the ball will come back.
Love Tony Gwynn. RIP
I miss these types of players. It seems now that everyone is swinging for the fences. No more small ball and strategy. In the age of sabermetrics, players should learn to be more unpredictable and go back to learning how to hit for average and producing runs by learning how to swing late to make the ball go to the opposite field, throw off the infield, and advance runners in hit and run situations. You just don't see much of that anymore. I remember a game back in the late 80s, Houston vs Montreal. Rock Raines got to first on a drag bunt. Then stole second base, then stole third base. Distracted the hell out of the Houston pitcher. The 2nd hitter in the Expos line up hit it hard and flied out to deep center field. Rock Raines easily just tagged and ran home to score and go up 1-0. Just like that, in the first inning and only one out. Old fashioned small ball, that worked. You may be thinking, "yeah, well a home run could have done that". But the problem is that not everyone is a strong home run hitter. Everyone, however, is strong enough to be a hitter that hits for average and brings in runs. Unfortunately, America got too addicted to home runs during the steroid era from the early 1990s to the mid 2000s. About 15 years of balls hit so hard the bat made that crack sounds and balls ended up in the upper levels of the outfield seats. All this to make the fans go WOW and AHHHH. They just can't seem to let go and remember that baseball is, or once was, a game of strategy and unpredictability.
Tony Gwynn class
He had speed but not blazing speed like Ichiro. He could hit, but didn't play as long as Rose. But, for my money Tony might be the best pure contact hitter that has ever lived.
I might be losing my mind but I sure as hell didn't forget seeing Gwynn's last all star game. The caption should say 1999 (Boston), not 2001 (Seattle).
God Bless you Tony
We miss u Tony....
Love you Tony
Gets me every time
We miss you Tony. Your Padres are having a great season. #MrPadre
Favorite player last sport hero i ever had
Greatest hitter of his generation... You can't argue with 8 batting titles...
The dude could hit everything
MR PADRE ......TONY GWYNN ☝️
When the All Star game meant something
Fue uno Delos mejores bateadores un jugador mui disciplinado como pocos
Pure class. Hang a star.
could have been a Dodger. a Yankee, a Cub, or a Red Sox Instead, he was a PADRE!! From a Aztec to US!!! He's playing right now with Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Roberto Clemente and other legends of baseball in the heavens. Thank you Tony from an Aztec alumnus and Padre follower. God bless you.
I heard old Ted Williams really lost his head at the end. But did you know he was a San Diego boy and went to Hoover High?
As a Montreal guy, f-k 1994. The Expos would have won the World Series, and Tony might have hit .400
great player and person too. great love for the game. too many meaningless base hits. wish he had more postseason highlights and a ring or two.
There is 10 things out there that Peter rose will not get into the HoW #1 is Tony Gwynn's bust is there till the sun don't shine and the moon does not glow.....
rip
he died of mouth cancer before my b-day
1:52
I thought everything about this video was going to be great......then Joe Buck showed up
Cubbusters
He was taken too young, man.
I'm only 25, so I didn't witness him during his prime, but could an older, knowledgeable fan tell me what made him Hall of Fame worthy? I'm not trying to be disrespectful. I understand his career batting average is among the highest of any player, but his OBP and SLG are fairly low for a Hall of Famer, and from what I can tell, he was pretty weak defensively. Once again, I mean no disrespect, so please don't take offense. I'm aware he was great, I just want to understand what put him among the greatest.
InstantKarma376 top 5 hitter to ever play. Maybe top 3
I understand that, but what makes him one of the greatest overall players?
InstantKarma376 5 time gold glover, 15 time all star, 300+ stolen bases just to name a few of his non hitting accomplishments
The Gold Glove award is a joke, and the All Star game is a popularity contest. Derek Jeter is a 5x Gold Glove winner and he was the worst defensive shortstop in the league while he played.
InstantKarma376 whatever dude don't really feel like arguing with you on this one, if you don't think tony Gwynn is a Hall of famer you're an idiot
Thank you Tony! Thank you for being the fantastic human being you are!!
could have been a Dodger. a Yankee, a Cub, or a Red Sox Instead, he was a PADRE!! From a Aztec to US!!! He's playing right now with Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Roberto Clemente and other legends of baseball in the heavens. Thank you Tony from an Aztec alumnus and Padre follower. God bless you.
He epitomizes what a true gentleman of the game he was. Tony Gwynn was in a very true sense MR.BASEBALL. Having grown up a San Diego Padres fan from their birth in 1968 to present, he was what made going to Jack Murphy Stadium win or lose always an enjoyable time. Because you knew when Tony was playing there was always excitement. At one point I witnessed him hit the most pitch and ran off an inside the park Homer and I also saw him at his lowest. I am not sure if it was his only time, but he argued balls and strikes with the home plate umpire during his first at bat. That was the day after Steve Garvey had his #6 retired. A true sportsman, we miss you!!!
Thanks Patrick for your comment. That's a real Padre fan in this reply.
Well put Willie.