We woke up yesterday to learn that San Diego had lost a son.
For 20 years, Tony Gwynn showed this city what it means to be a leader and a citizen. For those of us who grew up here, he was a fixture; the only thing more consistent than his base hits was the team he hit them for.
Like many of you, I grew up watching games at Jack Murphy Stadium and taking road trips to spring training in Yuma. Gwynn was already a Padre by the time I was born. He was the coach of the Aztecs when I graduated from San Diego State. He was ever-present in the lives of San Diegans.
It was amazing last night to be down at a makeshift memorial for Tony, where San Diegans gathered to pay their respects and share their stories. Every single person had a Tony story, a way that he had touched their lives.
San Diego mourned yesterday for the loss of their son, Tony. But he'll be remembered forever -- not only in the bronze tribute to him at Petco Park, but in the hearts and minds of everyone who loves our city.
Fans mourn at a makeshift memorial to former San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn at Petco Park in San Diego, California June 16, 2014. Gwynn, one of the greatest hitters of his generation, died on Monday at age 54 after a battle with cancer, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum said. REUTERS/Sam Hodgson (UNITED STATES)
Bruce and Cheryl Johnson mourn at a makeshift memorial to former San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn at Petco Park in San Diego, California June 16, 2014. Gwynn, one of the greatest hitters of his generation, died on Monday at age 54 after a battle with cancer, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum said. REUTERS/Sam Hodgson (UNITED STATES)
Fans watch highlights at a makeshift memorial to former San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn at Petco Park in San Diego, California June 16, 2014. Gwynn, one of the greatest hitters of his generation, died on Monday at age 54 after a battle with cancer, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum said. REUTERS/Sam Hodgson (UNITED STATES)
Fans leave flowers at a makeshift memorial to former San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn at Petco Park in San Diego, California June 16, 2014. Gwynn, one of the greatest hitters of his generation, died on Monday at age 54 after a battle with cancer, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum said. REUTERS/Sam Hodgson (UNITED STATES)
Fans mourn at a makeshift memorial to former San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn at Petco Park in San Diego, California June 16, 2014. Gwynn, one of the greatest hitters of his generation, died on Monday at age 54 after a battle with cancer, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum said. REUTERS/Sam Hodgson (UNITED STATES)
Fans watch highlights at a makeshift memorial to former San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn at Petco Park in San Diego, California June 16, 2014. Gwynn, one of the greatest hitters of his generation, died on Monday at age 54 after a battle with cancer, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum said. REUTERS/Sam Hodgson (UNITED STATES)
Alex Mcbrayer, 16, Trevor Herman, 17, Rebecca Herman, 54 and her friend Wayne Mcbrayer, 48, mourn at a makeshift memorial to former San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn at Petco Park in San Diego, California June 16, 2014. Gwynn, one of the greatest hitters of his generation, died on Monday at age 54 after a battle with cancer, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum said. REUTERS/Sam Hodgson (UNITED STATES)
Fans mourn at a makeshift memorial to former San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn at Petco Park in San Diego, California June 16, 2014. Gwynn, one of the greatest hitters of his generation, died on Monday at age 54 after a battle with cancer, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum said. REUTERS/Sam Hodgson (UNITED STATES)
Chanda Anderson, 39, embraces her boyfriend Sean Robison, 36, at a makeshift memorial to former San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn at Petco Park in San Diego, California June 16, 2014. Gwynn, one of the greatest hitters of his generation, died on Monday at age 54 after a battle with cancer, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum said. REUTERS/Sam Hodgson (UNITED STATES)
Fans watch highlights at a makeshift memorial to former San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn at Petco Park in San Diego, California June 16, 2014. Gwynn, one of the greatest hitters of his generation, died on Monday at age 54 after a battle with cancer, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum said. REUTERS/Sam Hodgson (UNITED STATES)
A bronze statue of former San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn is seen as fans mourn his death, at Petco Park in San Diego, California June 16, 2014. Gwynn, one of the greatest hitters of his generation, died on Monday at age 54 after a battle with cancer, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum said. REUTERS/Sam Hodgson (UNITED STATES)
