Tag: tony gwynn

Photos of Padres fans loving late Tony Gwynn.

Balloons spell out 19, Tony Gwynn's number.
Balloons honor 19, Baseball Hall of Fame player Tony Gwynn’s number.

This morning Tony Gwynn passed away. Nearly everyone in San Diego loved Mr. Padre. Count me among them.

I drove past Petco Park’s beautiful Park at the Park just before noon and wandered in over the green grass just to see his statue. A crowd of Padres fans had gathered. Flowers and other tributes formed a growing shrine at the base of his sculpture. The big screen was showing interviews and memorable plays from the amazing baseball career of Tony Gwynn. I noted several people were wiping their eyes. I had to do a bit of blinking, myself.

Tony Gwynn worked hard and good things happened.
Tony Gwynn worked hard and good things happened.
Flowers decorate the base of Tony Gwynn statue.
Flowers decorate the base of Tony Gwynn statue.
Padres fans watch the big smiling face of Tony Gwynn.
Padres fans watch the big smiling face of Tony Gwynn.
Father with child wipes tears from his eyes.
Father with child wipes tears from his eyes.

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Statue of Padres batting champ Tony Gwynn.

statue of padres superstar tony gwynn

A good argument can be made that the most-liked person in San Diego is Tony Gwynn. He’s one of the friendliest, most good-natured guys you’ll ever find, not to mention one of the best hitters ever in the history of baseball. He was voted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame the first year he was eligible. He’s also got a great statue in East Village at the center of Petco’s Park at the Park. You’re looking at it!

Tony Gwynn, affectionately called Mr. Padre, played 20 years for the San Diego Padres, winning eight batting titles and five Gold Glove awards. He appeared in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game 15 times! Today he’s the head baseball coach for San Diego State University.

Tony Gwynn statue with Showley Bros. Candy Factory in background.
Tony Gwynn statue with Showley Bros. Candy Factory in background.
Inspirational words of Tony Gwynn's father.
Inspirational words of Tony Gwynn’s father.

A quote from Tony’s father Charles appears on the statue’s base:  “If you work hard good things will happen.”  These words inspired one of the greatest hitters in the history of professional baseball.

UPDATE…

Here are a few closer photos that I took years later, after the tragic passing of Tony.

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