This lot presents five documents from the extraordinary career and life of Tony Gwynn, arguably one of the most popular National League stars of the modern era and certainly one of the finest hitters the game has ever known. With his eight batting titles and a boatload of National League and major league records over his 20 seasons, the lefty-swinging Gwynn was a throwback to the time when some of the greatest stars would spend their entire career with a single team. These remarkable letters and contract addendums offer a glimpse into that storied tenure in San Diego when Gwynn became the face of the franchise and an iconic MLB figure for the ages.
A one-page contract addendum from the Padres dated April of 1987 carries language about bonus payments on Gwynn’s 1987 contract and features Gwynn’s signature and that of a club official, along with a stamped A. Bartlett Giamatti as National League President. An eight-page addendum – this time on Padres letterhead – features detailed sections on salary, bonuses, insurance, etc., and has signatures from Gwynn and Padres Vice President Richard Freeman, along with the stamped Giamatti. The three letters are all on Padres letterhead: the earlier two are cream-colored pages about 8 ½-by-11 inches and the final one on two white pages. A letter from February of 1988 exercises the club’s option to renew Gwynn’s contract and is signed by club President Charles Feeney; October 1990-dated letter renews Gwynn for 1992 season and is signed by Joe McIlvaine, General Manager. The final piece has simply sensational baseball content, with the club lauding Gwynn for all his contributions over a 19-year span and includes propositions to pay a number of million-dollar bonuses for the 2001 season. Letter is signed on the second page by Kevin Towers, Padres General Manager. All five documents are in essentially Ex-Mt or better condition, jostled only in some instances by staple removal, office punch holes, time stamping, and the like.
Includes Letter of Authenticity from the Gwynn Family.
Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.
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.