NY Times: In a .338 Lifetime Average, Every Day Counted.
- Tony Gwynn died of cancer on Monday at age 54.
- Gwynn won a record 8 National League batting championships, he was a 15-time All-Star, he amassed 3,141 hits and gained acclaim as one of baseball’s most passionate students in the art of hitting…and his pudgy 5′ 11″ frame (give or take a few pounds) did not evoke streamlined athleticism.
- Tony Gwynn may have embodied the game of baseball better than anyone else who has played. It was not because Gwynn was among its greatest hitters. It was because of the wonder he found in the game and the joy he took in applying his daily discoveries.
- He spoke passionately about the attitude of the modern player. “They just feel like stuff is supposed to happen to them,” he said. “They’re not going to have to work for it. And that bugs me because I know how hard I had to work to get where I got.
- Gwynn’s love for the low-key atmosphere in San Diego and his devotion to the Padres may have been costly. He shunned free agency in favor of multiyear contracts…But he told The Times during his final season: “Twenty years in one place, one city. It looks good.”
- Tony Gwynn’s 2 Hitting Secrets: Work and More Work.
What a player. What a Man. What an inspiration. RIP Tony Gwynn.
Live & Learn 
He sounds like a *true* athlete, DK.
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Yes, Lori.
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Another thing we have in common, David. Baseball. Must be twin sons of different mothers ;>)
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Smiling. I’ve noticed that John.
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Thanks for this, David. I’m so off sports—the egos, the money, the entitlements—that this gives me hope.
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Yes, this man was solid. Period.
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Fantastic post. I loved watching that guy play ball. RIP Tony. Thanks for playing the game.
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Yes, Len. Great Man.
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Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
RIP wonderful man …. I’m not into sports that much. I should have known about you sooner. Travel safe … to the other side!!
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🙂 Thanks Dr. Rex.
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Welcome!! 😎
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and he will be missed by many. i really, really liked his approach to sports and to life. thanks for all you gave us tony –
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Yes, work ethic, authenticity, values. Full package.
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Too young!
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No kidding!
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Love baseball, love this. The comment about work ethic and staying with it – so important. a loss to the game, far too early. I am going to share with my little player later on.
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🙂 Your little player should love this story. What an incredible role model.
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His attitude is definitely something to aspire to.
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It is. Inspiring.
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