The late, great Tony Gwynn batted .289 in 190 at-bats during his first season in the big leagues in 1982, and then sweet-swinging lefty 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 be missed.
Offered here is Tony's 1998 San Diego Padres game-used batting helmet and cap, both worn July 29th against the New York Mets. All the first-ballot Hall of Famer did that evening at Shea Stadium was get four base knocks, including three doubles, for career hit numbers 2889, 2890, 2891 and 2892. As Tony's game items would often be notated as he neared 3,000 hits, each of these successive career hit numbers are neatly written in black marker on the inside of both the batting helmet and cap. Gwynn has autographed the top of the bill on both items in shiny 9/10 averaging silver felt tip pen.
The navy blue, "American baseball cap" brand, size 7-1/8 helmet has the "SD" logo decal applied to the forehead. Gwynn’s number “19” and ABC logo decals are affixed to the rear of the helmet, with another "19" decal underneath the bill. It shows the typical amount of contact scuffs and abrasions found on a well-used batting helmet. The "SD" decal is starting to lose its adhesion. The navy blue, New Era Authentic Diamond Collection hat is navy blue with the interlocking white and orange “SD” on the front. It comes in Tony's standard size 7-1/8 with a 100% wool materials tag each labeled on the rear of the well-worn sweatband. Gwynn's iconic No. "19" is penned in black marker on the interior. The cap displays solid wear inside and out. Both autographs have been Pre-certified by PSA/DNA.