Tribute to Tony Gwynn

Tony Gwynn passed away today. I was sad when I heard the news. I knew he was in bad shape, but it still came as a shock. Gwynn is the first superstar of my generation to pass away. At just 54 years old, he is gone way too soon.

The Padres have played their Spring Training games in Peoria, AZ since 1993 and so I got to see him play fairly regularly when I was younger, although I never got to meet him, and that saddens me also. 

I don't have any autographed cards of his. I don't even have his rookie card. I have one game-used bat card of his for my 3,000 Hit Club Bat Card Collection. 

I came home from work today and went through my Padres cards and pulled out over 150 Gwynn cards. Here are a few of my favorites. 

This is my oldest Gwynn card. I love the old hat and the sunglasses as well as the fantastic Padres logo.

When you think about the Padres, you can't help but think off Mr. Padre and I think this card does a good job connecting the two. 

I know this is a checklist, but I love it. It's not often you get to see a motorcycle on a baseball card. I'm guessing this was given to him by the Padres at his last game.  

Gwynn was by far the best hitter of his generation and this card says it. 

I love the angles on this card. It's just a great looking card! 

This card didn't scan well, but I didn't want to leave it out because of what it says. "20th century's best" for "average". Gwynn has a career average of .338 over a 20 year period. Amazing!

Gwynn was a pure hitter. He also only stuck out 434 times over a 20 year career. That's what I call having a good eye. To put that into perspective, Mark Reynolds struck out 434 times during a two year period (2009-10).

Not sure why, but I love the old Score cartoon All-Star cards. This Gwynn is a beaut!

Along with the batting average came 3,141 hits. 

Thanks for the great memories Tony!