[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1007]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    A TRIBUTE TO TONY GWYNN: A MAN OF UNRIVALED SKILL AND EXEMPLARY 
                               CHARACTER

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. SCOTT H. PETERS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2014

  Mr. PETERS of California. Mr. Speaker, I, along with my fellow 
members of the San Diego Delegation including Representative Davis, 
Representative Issa, Representative Hunter, and Representative Vargas, 
rise today to pay tribute to the life of Mr. Tony Gwynn, a celebrated 
batting champion in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame and beloved 
San Diego Padre. For over 30 years, Tony's enthusiasm for baseball and 
life itself was a source of goodwill for our national pastime and for 
all San Diegans. He will be sorely missed by the many people he 
inspired to play the game and by the many lives he touched on and off 
the baseball diamond.
  Tony Gwynn was a baseball legend. The 15-time All-Star led the Padres 
to two World Series appearances. In his career, he accumulated 3,141 
hits over 20 seasons, earning a career batting average of .338 that is 
18th best all-time. He also received a record-tying eight National 
League batting titles in addition to winning five Gold Glove Awards in 
recognition of his defensive skills. Gwynn was elected to the Hall of 
Fame in 2007, his first year of eligibility.
  Gwynn's dedication to the sport was only matched by his love for San 
Diego, earning him the nickname, ``Mr. Padre.'' While Gwynn had the 
option to play elsewhere, he loyally spent his entire career in San 
Diego. Following his time as a player in the major leagues, he remained 
in San Diego to dedicate the remainder of his life to coaching at his 
alma mater, San Diego State University.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with the utmost respect that I ask my colleagues 
in the House of Representatives to join me in paying tribute to the 
life of Tony Gwynn, an outstanding athlete and exemplary citizen, 
friend, and family man. His love of the game, tireless dedication, 
genial attitude, and uplifting presence will be missed.

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