Tony Gwynn passes away at age 54

[DJ]

Quote: Originally Posted by Sportsforever

This was so unexpected, but I can't seem to find anything that mentions if it was or not. Usually you will see that he passed away with his family around him or something like that…it's odd that no one had heard he was doing poorly.

To the family and San Diego State's credit, they did a really good job of keeping his final struggle private. I work for the conference SDSU plays in and I don't think anyone here really knew how bad of shape he was in.

I unfortunately did not get the pleasure of working with him as baseball is not one of my assigned sports, but everyone here that has worked with Tony said he was pure class all the way.

I'm glad I was able to watch a majority of his playing career. One of my all-time favorites.

He will be greatly missed.

R.I.P.

[Blzer]

Wow. To think I played for him even for a couple of months... this is just the saddest news! I haven't seen him in a few years now. I can't believe this. Yes DJ, pure class all the way indeed.

This is significantly bigger than SDSU or MLB, but they just lost a great man in their ranks. I pray for Gwynn's family. R.I.P. Tony.

[Sportsforever]

Read something crazy today. Tony only struck out 3 times in a game ONCE in his career. The pitcher? Bob Welch, who passed away last week.

[19]

MLB Network also mentioned he was drafted 33 years ago... today.

[jth1331]

Gwynn was such an amazing player, and amazing person as well. Always friendly, etc.

He ended up having 500+ doubles and less than 500 strikeouts. I mean, just wow, he went 6 straight seasons striking out less than 20 times in over 450+ plate appearances.
I mean, you can just go on and on about his accomplishments. They are all mind boggling, 19 straight .300+ seasons?

I still remember back in 1998, i lived in Colorado and my dad was lucky enough to win the car they gave away at the All Star Game. One of the rewards was the Rockies organization let us on the field for batting practice for one game. We chose the Padres, and it was amazing watching Gwynn take batting practice.

[Jr.]

A couple more ridiculous statistics in honor of one of the greatest hitters in MLB history.

Tony could have gone 0 for 1,000 and still have a .300 career average.

He also had 33 career 10+ game hit streaks, and struck out multiple times in a game 34 times.

Truly an artist at the plate, and he'll be missed dearly in the baseball community. RIP

[pietasterp]

Best pure hitter I've ever seen play, and from what I hear, a hall of famer off the field as well. Will be missed for sure. RIP Tony!

[Stormyhog]

Very sad to hear of his passing. I read that he attributed his oral cancer to years of chewing tabacco. R.I.P http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/story/?id=454940