Tony Gwynn: Mr. Padre’s legend and legacy in San Diego

Mr. Clutch

As a kid, I remember being baffled when Gwynn would lay down a sacrifice bunt in key situations.

“The thing that gave me an edge is I was mentally strong and I was innovative. More than anything else, I just had a good, solid work ethic.”

Not only was that display of unselfishness, but trust in his other teammates. Leading by example was the Mr. Padre way.

Always the first one in, the last one out of the clubhouse, Gwynn’s work ethic was old school. Remember, access to “game tape” and scouting reports were obscure during this era.

Gwynn would have to seek out this information himself and often compose his film studies.

It’s incredible how the style of baseball has changed over the years, with contact hitters becoming a lost art. Comparing Tony Gwynn with Kris Bryant will expose the flaws in the current MLB game.

As a head coach and mentor at San Diego State University, Tony Gwynn engraved his work ethic into the brains of his learners.

Gwynn left a lasting impression on (now) MLB star Stephen Strasburg, who played under Gwynn during his playing time in college as a San Diego State University Aztec. 

“I grew up a huge Tony Gwynn fan. Playing for him, getting a chance to build that relationship with him, I learned a lot of how not only to be a professional baseball player, how to be a pro, but also how to be a human being.”

Tony Gwynn also left a lasting impression on his son — Tony Gwynn Jr. — quite literally, with the honor of carrying Tony Gwynn’s name with him daily. Gwynn Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps, playing Major League Baseball. However, he believes his dad passed on much more important traits than the art of hitting.

“He took just as much pride in being a part of San Diego off the field. Obviously, my dad was a student of the game of baseball. He enjoyed it very much. But I think he also enjoyed being a human being and looking out for people. … My dad enjoyed watching happiness become a reality in people’s lives.”

Tony Gwynn’s brother, Chris, also played in MLB, so the baseball gene flows through the Gwynn family.

Hooping it up.

A vastly unknown legend of Tony Gwynn was his skills on the basketball court. 

June 10, 1981, Tony Gwynn was drafted by both the San Diego Padres and San Diego Clippers — now the Los Angeles Clippers — within their respective drafts. Ultimately, we know that Gwynn chose baseball, but he would have made one heck of an NBA point guard.

He posted 16 points and 16 assists against New Mexico on March 7, 1981, and then two days later record five RBIs in seven at-bats during a doubleheader against Southern California College.

Gwynn was a first-team All-American outfielder for the San Diego State Aztecs, which comes as no surprise. But, he was also a record-breaking point guard for SDSU’s basketball team.

No San Diego State basketball players to this day have reached Gwynn’s records:

• 221 assists in a season
• 590 career assists.
• 8.2 assists average is still a school record (1979-80)

I also find it ironic that he was drafted by his hometown team in both sports and who knows, might have remained a lifelong Clipper if he pursued a pro career in the NBA. Maybe, he would have convinced the team to even stay in San Diego.

Tony Gwynn ultimately made the right decision by donning cleats instead of sneakers, but I still wonder how his NBA career would have unfolded. No doubt his work ethic would have made him one of the best in the game at the point guard position.

The face of a city

For his legacy on and off the field, Tony Gwynn was honored during the 2016 All-Star game in San Diego, with the NL batting title being named in his honor. 

Petco Park, the house that Gwynn built, was the perfect setting for this emotional event and tribute. We know Tony Gwynn was smiling down from above with that contagious smile of his.

Nealy a decade before, Mr. Padre was inducted into the 2007 MLB Hall of a Fame, giving an acceptance speech for the ages.

“I love to hit. I can’t wait until it’s my turn. Sometimes, I think that’s all baseball is. I root for the other team to go down 1-2-3 so I can hit again.”

Gwynn just loved to hit. Maybe more than anyone in the history of the game itself. He needed hitting like we all need breathing to survive, with the knack for hitting imprinted on the DNA of Gwynn.

Greg Maddux even remembers how difficult it was to record an out against the stingy Padre.

“He’s easily the toughest hitter for me. I can’t think of anyone who hits me harder. He handles the pitch away as well as anybody, and he’s able to stay inside the ball when the pitch is in. His holes are just very small.”

What’s often overlooked is Gwynn’s defense. His workman-like attitude translated to the outfield, where Gwynn took home five Golden Glove awards for his efforts.

Dreams really do come true.

About a decade ago, my lifelong dream of meeting my favorite MLB player — Tony Gwynn — finally came to fruition. At a young age, I grew up living and breathing San Diego Padres’ baseball. Tony Gwynn and Trevor Hoffman both became my childhood idols.

Moving to Missouri following the 1998 season, I was “converted” to (St. Louis) Cardinals nation, but part of me will always belong to the Padres.

At a sports convention in Houston in 2007, of all places, I finally got my chance to converse with Mr. Padre himself. After lots of waiting in multiple lines and $100 lighter in my wallet, I was finally ushered to the booth that Tony Gwynn was stationed at for the event.

Believing I would only have just a brief moment with the legend, I spent nearly five minutes discussing baseball, my love for Missouri State University baseball — which he tolerated — and how much he meant to me growing up.

I desperately wanted a photograph with him, but I had no additional cash or charge cards on me.

The $100 I spent did not cover a picture with Gwynn, which would have set me back another “Benjamin.”

Learning of my dilemma, Mr. Padre waved me over to his side of the table and permitted me to snap a photo of my own. For free. I asked him if this was permissible and he said, “It is now.”

I walked away with an autograph, a big smile on my face, and a lasting image of me and my idol. However, Gwynn left me with so much more. A priceless memory that I will never forget.

Next: San Diego Padres Mount Rushmore

Even three years after his untimely death in 2014, Tony Gwynn’s legacy lives on. Through his accomplishments. Literally with his son. Through me. With all of us.

Rachel Joy Scott sums up Mr. Padre’s motto and lifestyle best.

I have this theory that if one person can go out of their way to show compassion, then it will start a chain reaction of the same. People will never know how far a little kindness can go.