This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/29/2019
The late, great Tony Gwynn batted .289 in 190 at-bats during his first season in the big leagues in 1982, and then the sweet-swinger never batted below .300 again during his 20-year career, finishing with a lifetime .338 clip that may never again be matched. One of baseball's best hitters ever was also one of the best all-around guys. He will certainly be missed.
Offered here is Gwynn's game-used and autographed San Diego Padres cap from a home game on August 15, 1997 when the first-ballot Hall of Famer collected his 2,731st career hit. The navy blue New Era Authentic Diamond Collection hat has the interlocking white and orange “SD” logo on the forehead. It comes in size 7-1/8 with 100% wool materials tagging on the rear of the sweatband. Gwynn's iconic No. "19" is penned in black marker on the inner front. On the rear flanking the MLB logo patch are "24" and "34" handwritten in silver felt tip pen who we presume was in honor of Gwynn's 1997 teammates Rickey Henderson and Fernando Valenzuela (The latter retired at the end of the season; the former was expected to retire but continued playing for several more seasons.)
Tony has signed the underside of the brim in 8-9/10 blue marker. Also under the brim is a "#2731 8/15/97 CHI - TRACHSEL" notation in black marker to commemorate his 3rd inning RBI single off Cubs starter Steve Traschel that gave the Padres a 1-0 lead in an eventual 5-1 win at Qualcomm Stadium. Pre-certified by PSA/DNA (auto.).