Tony Gwynn Dies at 54

[Remedy360]

Sad shit, greatest pure hitter I ever saw. RIP.




Hall of Fame outfielder Tony Gwynn died Monday morning after battling cancer. He was 54.

Gwynn was surrounded by his family at Pomerado Hospital in Poway, Calif., when he died.

Gwynn spent his entire Hall of Fame career with the San Diego Padres from 1982-2001. He had 3,141 hits and a career .338 batting average (18th best all-time) in 2,440 games. He batted above .300 in 19 of his 20 major league seasons, including .394 in 1994.


Gwynn was a 15-time All-Star, won eight batting titles, five Gold Glove Awards and was inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.

Gwynn was also a key part of the Padres' National League pennants in 1984 and 1998, hitting a combined .371 in the two World Series.

"It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Tony Gwynn," said Jane Forbes Clark, Chairman of the Board of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, in a statement. "He was beloved by so many, especially the Hall of Fame family, for his kindness, graciousness and passion for the game. Tony was one of baseball history's most consistent hitters and most affable personalities. He was an icon for San Diego Padres fans, never more evident than on Induction Day of 2007, when tens of thousands of Tony's most appreciative fans filled Cooperstown for his Hall of Fame speech. We extend our deepest sympathies to (his wife) Alicia and the entire Gwynn family."

Gwynn was a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He was named on 532 of 545 ballots (97.6 percent), along with Cal Ripken Jr. as the 2007 class of inductees. Gwynn also was given the 1995 Branch Rickey Award, the 1998 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award and the 1999 Roberto Clemente Award.

Gwynn's son, Tony Gwynn Jr., is an outfielder for the Phillies.

"Tony will be remembered in baseball circles for his hitting acumen, as evidenced by a lofty .338 lifetime batting average and an astonishing eight National League batting titles," said Jeff Idelson, President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, in a statement. "But it was his infectious laugh, ever-present smile and humble disposition that made Mr. Padre a favorite in San Diego and an endearing figure to a nation of baseball fans who marveled at his career accolades and celebrated his 2007 induction into the Hall of Fame in record numbers."

Commissioner Bud Selig issued a statement, saying that Gwynn was "the greatest Padre ever" and his "all-around excellence on the field was surpassed by his exuberant personality and genial disposition in life."

"Tony loved our game, the city of San Diego and his alma mater where he starred and coached, San Diego State University, and he was a part of a wonderful baseball family," Selig said. "His commitment to the children of San Diego made him a deserving recipient of our game's highest off-field honor, the Roberto Clemente Award, in 1999.

"For more than 30 years, Tony Gwynn was a source of universal goodwill in the National Pastime, and he will be deeply missed by the many people he touched. On behalf of all of our clubs, I extend my deepest condolences to Tony's wife Alicia, their son Tony Jr. of the Phillies, their daughter Anisha, the Padres franchise, his fans in San Diego and his many admirers throughout baseball."

[MistaNova]

RIP, he was taken from us way too early.

[Halu Sination]

RIP to the best hitter of the modern era

[Sccit]

rip

[DJ SUGAFREE QUIK]

RIP, he was taken from us way too early.

Yes, he was.  Even though I hate both SD teams, both teams icons dying young is a tragedy.  You see Tony Gwynn on interviews, very likable dude.  What's really sad is on hardball talk site, there were fools doing thumbs down when people were typing rip to gwynn.  I wish he left that team cause he deserved a ring.  And deserved to be on a better franchise.  1 of the best players in sports never to win one. 

[J. B A N A N A S]

Vin Scully did a great job remembering him. Wish I could find it.