This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
The late Tony Gwynn was the foundation for the San Diego Padres’ franchise for 20 seasons. A career .338 batter, Gwynn – a left-handed batter – perfected the art of slapping singles through the left side of the infield. In all, he wrapped out 2,378 singles, representing 76% of the hits he collected on his way to 3,141. Beyond his well-publicized hitting prowess, however, Gwynn was also an exceptional right fielder who collected five Rawlings Gold Glove awards during his big league tenure.
This lot features his very first Gold Glove, which he earned following the 1986 MLB season. It is one of two 1986 Gold Gloves trophies issued to Gwynn, the other having sold previously at auction.
The coveted trophy features a Rawlings professional model fielder's mitt made from gold lame tanned leather that reads “MAJOR LEAGUE All-Star FIELDING TEAM” across the palm. It sits atop the third of three tiers of a wood base that features an artist's rendering of a Gwynn portrait that tapers from 6.5 inches to five inches wide at the top and is four inches high. It is flanked by similarly imposing gold-tanned Rawlings baseballs perched on the second tier, which also boasts a 15-inch wide gold nameplate that reads: “1986 RAWLINGS GOLD GLOVE AWARD Presented to TONY GWYNN Honoring His Selection to the Sporting News National League All-Star Fielding Team.” The famed Rawlings red script logos complete the gold plaque on either side. The final overall dimensions of the bottom tier of the wood base are 17" wide by 6.5" deep, with the tip of the glove reaching 16" high. Gwynn posted an impressive fielding percentage of .989 and committed just four errors in 160 game that season.
Includes Letter of Provenance from the San Diego Hall of Champions.