He was a standout athlete at San Diego State University in the late seventies and had a record-breaking, twenty-year career with the San Diego Padres. Now he is head coach for the Aztec baseball team. Today, Tony Gwynn talked about becoming a hall of famer.
In the world of baseball, former Padres right-fielder Tony Gwynn is known for being a consistent hitter, with a record-tying eight national league batting titles. Today, the now-college coach addressed a panel of media at his alma mater. He was recruited to SDSU in the late 1970s -- not for baseball, but for basketball. Gwynn says dreams of grandeur in baseball came later.
Gwynn : I remember us sittin' in the back of a bus in Walla Walla Washington.drinking a Coca Colas and talking about how great it would be to make it to the big leagues.
His career was studded with highlights and he's a member of the 3,000 hit club. But Gwynn's favorite baseball memory didn't even involve a Padres win.
Gwynn : As a kid I always dreamed about playing at Yankee Stadium. The feeling I felt that day was unbelievable.
With induction weekend around the corner, this man who has grown accustomed to the media spotlight says he still can't help but feel nervous.
Gwynn : This speech is really what people are going to remember….Will I be able to get through it?
“Mr. Padre” will be inducted into the Hall of Fame along with Cal Ripkin, Jr. on July 29. Gwynn will join fewer than 300 other players who have been enshrined there since 1936.
