30 Day Baseball Card Challenge

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Gone... But Never Forgotten.

I've written, erased, and rewritten this post several times over, but I just can't seem to come up with the words that match my feelings.



So I'm going to keep it simple and straight to the point.



I've been an avid sports fan for over three decades and during that time I've had my share of favorite athletes.  Among them are men and women who have competed in everything from football to skate boarding to baseball to figure skating.

Gwynn's Final Game

But Tony Gwynn is and always will be in a league of his own.


Gwynn is the primary reason that I'm a San Diego Padres fan.  His loyalty to the franchise and the way he played the game is much appreciated and will always be remembered.


Thank you, Mr. Padre.  Rest in peace and sayonara.

P.S.  Thank you for all of the kind messages people sent to me regarding Tony Gwynn.  The news hit me harder than I expected, but those messages, along with watching all of the amazing tribute films and reading people's articles helped.

14 comments:

Mark Hoyle said...

Big loss for baseball. Doesn't matter who you root for

shoeboxlegends said...

Nice tribute Fuji, a tough week for all fans of the game...

Wes Moore the former JBF said...

I knew this one would hit you hard buddy. He was simply great. That's all I can say.

The Lost Collector said...

I've read some amazing stories about him the part few days. He was a true gem.

Pro Set Cards said...

You were the first person I thought of Fuji. My condolences. I always loved his smile and the way he played the game. Taken from us far too soon. :(

jacobmrley said...

Tony Gwynn was an amazing player and an even better human being so I understand the loss, even if it is someone we never met. Gary Carter died two weeks before I started my blog and I *still* haven't been able to write about it.

Jafronius said...

Just reading his stats in the various articles makes me realize we may never see a player like him again. A big loss for Padre and baseball fans alike.

Commishbob said...

You were the first person I thought of when I heard about his passing.

I watched some of the pieces Tim Kurkjian did on TG and the hitting stats are just amazing. But more than that Gwynn seemed to be such a genuine guy. He had so many years ahead of him teaching and coaching. Big loss for sure.

Yankeejetsfan said...

Like Commishbob, you were the first person I thought of when I heard we lost Gwynn.

Simply put, he was the best hitter I ever seen play. I didn't see as many games here in NY, unless The Padres played the Mets or were on the Game Of The Week, but I am very happy I got to see Gwynn play. I'm just sorry I never got to meet him. I have heard he was a very nice man.

He will be missed.

Greg Zakwin said...

I was pretty shocked when I heard the news even considering the health problems he's had to deal with.

His willingness to simply fully sign his name all the time speaks to that great professionalism he embodied.

Fuji said...

I've enjoyed reading everyone's tributes. There's been a lot of interesting information that I've only now discovered about Mr. Gwynn.

Fuji said...

Thanks guys. I appreciate all of the nice comments people left about Gwynn and his legacy.

Ryan G said...

Gwynn was miles above any other player of his time. I hope, in this age of bad attitudes, vanity, and conceitedness, someone else steps into the batters box like Gwynn.

Fuji said...

Me too. There are a few players I really like... but I'm always on the lookout for an athlete with a positive attitude, who hits for average, and is loyal to one franchise.