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

By Neil Harrington

COOPERSTOWN, NY - JULY 29: 2007 inductee Tony Gwynn gives his acceptance speech at Clark Sports Center during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on July 29, 2007 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
COOPERSTOWN, NY - JULY 29: 2007 inductee Tony Gwynn gives his acceptance speech at Clark Sports Center during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on July 29, 2007 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images) /
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Tony Gwynn
SAN DIEGO, CA – JUNE 16: Fans place flowers at the base of a statue of the late San Diego Padres great Tony Gwynn at Petco Park, where the Padres play, June 16, 2014 in San Diego, California. Gwynn died this morning after a lengthy battle with cancer, according to published reports. He was 54. (Photo by Bill Wechter/Getty Images) /

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.

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