On June 28, 2001, Tony Gwynn announced that he would be retiring from baseball at the conclusion of the season. He received an ovation at each stadium the Padres played in on the road, and was honored as a non-playing squad member at the 2001 All-Star Game. He finished the season with a .324 average, his 19th consecutive season batting at least 300. This lot includes a special gift Gwynn received from the San Francisco Giants that season during his last visit to Pacific Bell Park as a member of the Padres. An oversized brass bell sits atop a wooden base adorned with a specially engraved black-and-gold plaque from the Giants that reads: “Presented to Tony Gwynn from your fans in San Francisco, September 30, 2001, Pacific Bell Park, Career Stats vs. the San Francisco Giants: Games 229, Average .351, At-Bats 878, Hits 308, 2Bs 47, 3Bs 13, HRs 10, RBI 112, Walks 74.” The overall piece measures 19” wide by 16” high.
Includes Letter of Authenticity from the Gwynn Family.
A portion of the proceeds generated by the Tony Gwynn Collection will be donated to the Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation. The TAG Foundation is a non-profit, 5013(c) charity dedicated to creating and supporting programs that enhance opportunities for youth to become healthy, educated, and productive citizens. The TAG Foundation was organized in San Diego in 1995 by Tony’s wife, Alicia. For more information, visit www.tagwynn2.org.