This remarkable document from the fabled career of Tony Gwynn spans what was likely his most prolific stretch as the game’s premier hitter, a five-year span that included batting titles Nos. 5 and 6 and his single-greatest season, 1994, when he spent much of the late summer flirting with the unthinkable: .400. For years during Gwynn's career, predictions of Gwynn’s being the first to top the mark last managed by none other than Ted Williams were not uncommon, and in a year of relative good health, 1994 looked like the best chance yet. He was batting .475 through 10 games in August and .423 since the second half when the season ended prematurely on August 11 due to the baseball strike, one of a vast number of wretched consequences from that ugly summer that also saw the World Series torpedoed. Tony Gwynn, and the legions of loyal fans, deserved much better.
This is the uniform player’s contract for the years 1991-95 for Gwynn. The six-page standard contract – stipulating salaries of $2,000,000 for 1991 and 1992, $3,750,000 for 1993, $3,250,000 for 1994 and $4,250,000 for 1995 - also features 19 pages of addendums, all printed on a single side. With language concerning yearly salary payments, yearly bonus payments, guarantees and insurance, among others, the addendums include a signature page with autographs from Gwynn and Joe McIlvaine, Padres General Manager. Gwynn’s signature and that of McIlvaine appear on the sixth page of the main contract twice, along with a stamped William White as National League President. The documents present in essentially Ex-Mt or better condition, with only the minor folding shadows from light office use, none of which detracts from the presentation. This is an extremely significant player contract from several of the greatest seasons of Gwynn’s extraordinary career, including one that could easily have been an historic milestone.
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.