BASEBALL'S TONY

This year, like any other year, several former players have passed away.  Most recently, that list includes Bob Welch, Don Zimmer, and Tony Gwynn.  I’m not going to write about every MLB player or coach that deceases, but I will always (as long as I’m alive/able) offer a dedication towards those who have died who I've extremely admired.

Therefore, after these recent losses of players, I dedicate this segment to the one and only, Tony Gwynn ("Mr. Padre").  He unfortunately died at the “young” age of 54 from salivary gland cancer.  There aren’t many players who fully represent class throughout and after their careers, but Tony was certainly one of them.

As a player, his offense was at the same extreme high level as his defense.  His career batting average of .338 (winning 8 Batting Titles) currently ranks him as tied for 18^th place with the highest recognized batting average of all time!  He coined the term “5.5 hole” representing the perfect placement of many of his hits between the 3^rd baseman (known on a scorecard as position 5) and the shortstop (known on a scorecard as position 6).  His defense as a right fielder was impeccable (5 Gold Glove Awards), including a rifle of an arm.   Furthermore, Tony was rightfully voted as an All-Star 15 times, inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007, and fittingly won 3 different humanitarianism-type awards.

As a man, Tony always displayed a jovial personality while eagerly offering to help veteran players, college players, rookie players, and even rookie reporters - just ask Los Angeles Times’ reporter, Bill Plaschke.  He was known by everyone who knew him, including his community, to have treated all individuals with the utmost respect.  Even as one of the greatest players of all time, he continually exercised his humbleness throughout his on- and off-field shortened life.

Personally, as a Yankees’ fan, I will always appreciate his kid-like behavioral excitement when he initially arrived at Yankee Stadium for his team’s first 1998 World Series game, ensuring to share his excitement with his son, Tony Gwynn, Jr. (currently an outfielder for the Phillies) as they both visited Monument Park.  More importantly, as a baseball fan, I will miss having and knowing he’s still around to represent one of the best, overall players the game has ever seen.  Tony, you won so many awards in life, but to the baseball stage of life, you were our “Tony” Award.