On August 6, 1999, San Diego Padres great right fielder Tony Gwynn recorded his 3,000th career hit. Gwynn hit four singles that day to help the Padres post a 12-10 victory against the Expos in Montreal. Gwynn became just the 22nd member of Major League Baseball’s elite “3,000 Hit Club” that day. This lot includes an impressive assortment of 11 hand-written or type-written letters and notes from fellow members of the exclusive club that took the time to send Gwynn a note on his milestone achievement. Eight of the players sent him type-written letters on their personal stationary and added their signatures at the end of each one: Al Kaline, Dave Winfield, Eddie Murray, Pete Rose, Robin Yount, Wade Boggs, Stan Musial and Rod Carew. Three members of the club (Carl Yastrzemski, George Brett and Paul Molitor) sent Gwynn hand-written congratulatory notes on their personal stationary with each one including their respective signature. The overall framed and matted piece measures 47” high by 35” wide and includes a specially engraved gold nameplate at the bottom that reads: “BASEBALL’S 3,000 HIT CLUB Welcomes TONY GWYNN August 6, 1999.” An incredible collection of personal notes from many of baseball’s best hitters of all-time to one of their own. The manner in which it was framed and displayed in the Gwynn home suggests the high regard in which the collection was held.
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.