[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[House]
[Pages 18313-18316]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



   CONGRATULATING TONY GWYNN ON ANNOUNCEMENT OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM 
                                BASEBALL

  Mrs. MORELLA. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 198) congratulating Tony Gwynn on the 
announcement of his retirement from the San Diego Padres and from Major 
League Baseball.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                              H. Res. 198

       Whereas Tony Gwynn has a lifetime batting average of .338, 
     15th on the all-time career leaders list, which includes 
     baseball legends as Ty Cobb, Rogers Hornsby, and Tris 
     Speaker;
       Whereas Gwynn has 3,127 career hits, and only 16 players 
     have more hits than Gwynn, including Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron, and 
     Stan Musial;
       Whereas Gwynn is the owner of eight Silver Bats for the 
     eight batting titles he has won, tying him for the National 
     League record with Honus Wagner, with only Ty Cobb of the 
     American League having won more titles;
       Whereas among the all-time Padres career leaders, Gwynn is 
     first in batting average, hits, runs batted in, and runs;
       Whereas Gwynn has not only proven to be a great hitter but 
     a great defensive player, winning five Gold Glove awards;
       Whereas of the 20 seasons Gwynn has played, he has had a 
     batting average of .300 or better in 19 of those seasons;
       Whereas throughout his career, Gwynn has been selected to 
     16 All-Star teams;
       Whereas Gwynn has played in two World Series, in 1984 and 
     1998;
       Whereas, in an era when money dominates the game of 
     baseball, Tony Gwynn chose to play in San Diego for the 
     Padres when it was believed that he could have earned more 
     money with another team in another city;

[[Page 18314]]

       Whereas Gwynn is an example of good sportsmanship, having 
     always conducted himself with dignity, and has been a role 
     model for young people and for all Americans;
       Whereas Gwynn has proven himself to be an active leader not 
     only in the clubhouse but also in the community;
       Whereas Gwynn and his wife Alicia are philanthropists 
     dedicated to their support for the Tony and Alicia Gwynn 
     Foundation, the Casa de Amparo, the Police Athletic League, 
     the New Haven Home, the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, the 
     Epilepsy Society of San Diego, and many more organizations; 
     and
       Whereas for his community involvement, Gwynn was named 
     Individual of the Year at the 1998 Equal Opportunity Awards 
     Dinner, was the 1995 Branch Rickey Award winner, and was the 
     1998 Padres nominee for Major League Baseball's Roberto 
     Clemente Man of the Year Award: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates 
     Tony Gwynn on the announcement of his retirement, honors him 
     for an outstanding career, and thanks him for his 
     contributions to baseball and to his community.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Maryland (Mrs. Morella) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella).


                             General Leave

  Mrs. MORELLA. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
on H. Res. 198.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Maryland?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. MORELLA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Our colleague the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) introduced 
House Resolution 198 on July 17, 2001. The gentlewoman from Indiana 
(Ms. Carson) cosponsored the measure. The legislation was referred to 
the Committee on Government Reform on July 17.
  I rise in strong support of House Resolution 198, a resolution 
congratulating Tony Gwynn on his distinguished career with the San 
Diego Padres. Tony Gwynn has announced his retirement from his home 
team and Major League Baseball. This legislation commends Tony Gwynn on 
his many achievements: a lifetime batting average of .338, which is 
15th best all time; his ownership of eight silver bats of the eight 
National League batting titles that he has won; and his career total of 
3,140 hits, and counting.
  Madam Speaker, Tony Gwynn has not only proven to be a great hitter 
but also a great defensive player, winning five Gold Glove awards. He 
has been selected to 16 All-Star teams and has played in two World 
Series, in 1984 and 1998.

                              {time}  1530

  Tony Gwynn epitomizes good sportsmanship, always conducting himself 
with dignity. He is a role model for young people, young athletes, and 
all Americans.
  He is a leader not only in the clubhouse, but also in the community. 
He is a supporter of the Police Athletic League, the Casa de Amparo, 
the New Haven Home, the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, the Epilepsy 
Society of San Diego, and many other philanthropic organizations. 
Additionally, Gwynn and his wife, Alicia, have established the Tony and 
Alicia Gwynn Foundation.
  Tony has been recognized for his community involvement. He was named 
Individual of the Year at the 1998 Equal Opportunity Awards Dinner, was 
the 1995 Branch Rickey Award winner, and was the 1998 Padres nominee 
for Major League Baseball's Roberto Clemente Man of the Year Award.
  Madam Speaker, Tony Gwynn has been an asset to professional baseball 
and to his community. He has had an outstanding career; and on behalf 
of all Americans, I thank him for his contributions and the joy that he 
has brought to the sport of baseball. I want to wish him and his wife, 
Alicia, and his two children, Anthony II and Anisha Nicole, a very 
happy and fulfilling life together as Tony enjoys his retirement.
  Madam Speaker, I want to take the opportunity to commend the 
distinguished gentlewoman from California for introducing House 
Resolution 198 and for her hard work in ensuring its passage.
  I urge all Members to support H. Res. 198.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, when I was a child, my mother used to try and convince 
us to work by telling us that we should never rest until your good 
becomes better and your better becomes best.
  Tony Gwynn is one of the best hitters in baseball history. Between 
1994 and 1997, he won four consecutive batting titles, with averages 
better than .350. The left-handed outfielder became the first National 
League player in more than 70 years to accomplish this feat.
  Gwynn's eight total career batting titles tie him with Honus Wagner 
for second on the all-time list. Only Ty Cobb, with 12 career batting 
titles, has more.
  Anthony Keith Gwynn was born in Los Angeles and educated at San Diego 
State University, where he played baseball and basketball. He was 
selected by the San Diego Padres of the National League in 1981 in the 
free agent draft. After playing in the minor leagues, he joined the 
Padres in 1982.
  In 1984, Gwynn led the National League in batting with a .351 average 
and helped lead the Padres to the National League pennant. In 1987, 
Gwynn topped the league again, with a .370 average, the highest 
National League mark since Stan Musial hit .376 in 1948. Gwynn then led 
the league in batting for the next two seasons, with averages of .313 
and .336.
  He did not win the batting title from 1990 to 1993, but he maintained 
his excellent hitting, registering averages of .309, .317, .317, and 
.358. In 1994, the Major League season ended in August because of a 
player strike, but Gwynn reclaimed the batting title by hitting .394 in 
the abbreviated campaign. This was the highest average in the major 
leagues since Ted Williams hit .406 in 1941.
  Over the next three seasons, Gwynn extended his string of batting 
titles, batting .368 in 1995, .353 in 1996, and .372 in 1997. He became 
the first National League player to top .350 in five consecutive 
seasons since Rogers Hornsby achieved that feat in six straight 
campaigns from 1920 to 1925.
  Although best known for his hitting, Gwynn was recognized for his 
fine fielding during several seasons and won five Gold Glove Awards as 
one of the best defensive outfielders in the National League in 1986, 
1987, 1989, and 1991.
  I congratulate the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis) for 
introducing this resolution and would urge its support.
  Mrs. MORELLA. Madam Speaker, I reserve my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such 
time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. 
Davis), the author of this resolution.
  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support 
of my resolution in congratulating and commemorating Tony Gwynn of the 
San Diego Padres upon his retirement from Major League Baseball. After 
20 amazing seasons, Tony has decided to retire from the Padres and from 
baseball.
  At San Diego State University, Tony was actually a basketball star, a 
game that he thought came more natural to him. But when a career in 
basketball was not likely, Tony had to work hard at the game of 
baseball to get to the skill level he is at now.
  Tony is living proof that if you work hard, you can achieve almost 
anything. Tony has studied the game, he has studied the art of hitting. 
And years later, he has not rested at the game of baseball; but, 
rather, he still watches and studies film and analyzes pitchers.
  His strong work ethic paid off. Soon after Tony signed with the 
Padres, he immediately established himself as a consistent hitter. In 
his first full season with the Padres, he had a batting average of .351 
and won his first of

[[Page 18315]]

eight batting championships. In that first year of 1984, he took his 
team to the World Series.
  After that season, Tony never hit below .300. He currently has a 
lifetime batting average of .338, which is fifteenth on the all-time 
career list, a list that includes Ty Cobb, Rogers Hornsby, and Tris 
Speaker.
  Two years ago, Tony reached a coveted baseball milestone by getting 
his 3,000th hit. His career hit total now is 3,139; and he has got a 
game to go. So we are still counting.
  While he has proven himself adept at hitting, Tony has proven himself 
also to be a great defensive player, winning five Gold Glove Awards. 
This year, Tony topped off a Hall of Fame career as an honorary player 
in the All-Star game. It was his sixteenth All-Star game appearance.
  As well as his leadership on the field, Tony has proven to be a 
leader off the field. He and his wife, Alicia, have been active in so 
many organizations in San Diego. Tony has been involved with dozens, 
such as his Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation. He has also lent his time 
to the San Diego Police Athletic Leagues, the Jackie Robinson YMCA, and 
the Casa de Amparo, just to name a few of the organizations that he and 
his wife have been involved in. And he was been rewarded for his 
efforts. In 1998, Tony was named Individual of the Year at the Equal 
Opportunity Awards Dinner.
  Throughout his career, Tony has been an example of good 
sportsmanship, having conducted himself with dignity. He has been such 
an exemplary role model for young people and for all Americans. Many 
people believe that Tony could have left the San Diego Padres to play 
in another city with another team for much more money than he was 
earning in San Diego. But he chose to stay. He chose to stay in San 
Diego, for his love of the game and his love of San Diego, a rare act 
today.
  On October 7 of this year, an era will come to an end in San Diego, 
the era of one of the greatest hitters in the game of baseball; the era 
of a San Diego sports icon; the era of Tony Gwynn.
  It will be strange now to watch a San Diego Padres game and not see 
Tony come up to the plate in a clutch situation. Of course, we all 
expect him to get a hit.
  Tony Gwynn has always been a staple of San Diego and is a true 
hometown hero. I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring a great 
baseball player and a great human being for his tremendous 
accomplishments.
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield such 
time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Ms. Carson), a 
real patron of the game of baseball, but more a patron of excellence.
  Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from 
Illinois for yielding me time. I certainly also thank the honorable 
gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella).
  Mr. Speaker, I am not going to be redundant, because there are so 
many wonderful accolades that we could give retiring Tony Gwynn in this 
hour. But in deference of time, let me just very briefly give honor to 
whom honor is due.
  I have known Tony Gwynn; his wife, Alicia Gwynn; their son, Anthony 
II; and daughter, Anisha for many years. As a matter of fact, they have 
dual residence. They also have property in Indianapolis, Indiana; and 
truly Alicia and Tony have been very generous to the community in 
Indianapolis, Indiana. They undergird the principle unto whom much is 
given, much is required.
  Tony is fifteenth on the all-time hit list, with over 3,140 hits. He 
has won eight batting titles and is a 15-time All Star. He will join 
the baseball Hall of Fame on the first ballot. He is only the fifth 
National League player and seventeenth overall to play at least 20 
seasons in the Major Leagues with one team.
  In 1994, Tony hit for the highest average, .394, since Ted Williams 
hit above .400 in 1941.
  Behind all these baseball achievements, Tony is a man who cares and 
supports the community. As we have heard from previous speakers, he has 
been acclaimed in so many ways. He won the Roberto Clemente Man of the 
Year Award, which recognizes the player who best combines sportsmanship 
and community involvement with excellence on the field. He is a man who 
received the 1999 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, given annually by the Phi 
Delta Theta Fraternity to the Major League player who best exemplifies 
the character and the leadership of the Hall of Fame first baseman, 
both on the field and off. He has been inducted into the World Sport 
Humanitarian Hall of Fame in Boise, Idaho, and received the Branch 
Rickey Award as the top community activist in Major League baseball.
  Mr. Speaker, if I was a publicist for Tony Gwynn, I think I would 
make it very simple and simply say ``Gwynn wins,'' because Tony Gwynn 
has won a place in the hearts of all of the sports enthusiasts across 
the country, across the world, and Tony Gwynn wins the hearts of all of 
the young people that he has touched and that he has been a wonderful 
example for throughout his lifetime.
  As we celebrate America, let us celebrate an extraordinary American, 
Tony Gwynn, who stands for all that is right in America; a true 
sportsman, a man who exudes family values in the very highest sense. I 
am blessed that I know the Gwynn family. I have won by knowing the 
Gwynn family.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, my mother probably just said it best when she said, 
good, better, and best. Never rest until your good becomes better and 
your better becomes best. Tony Gwynn was always among the best.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, in sequence, we have talked about two of the best 
baseball players who are retiring; and we look upon them as role 
models, as great Americans, participating with great excellence in the 
American sport of baseball. So I congratulate the sponsor of this 
legislation, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Davis), and the 
cosponsors. I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) for 
managing the bills on that side of the aisle. I urge all Members to 
support House Resolution 198.
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to honor not 
only a great baseball player but also a great citizen of San Diego. 
Tony Gwynn epitomizes excellence on and off the field of play. On the 
field he has awards and accolades most players can only dream about: 
the highest batting average among active players, over 3,000 hits, 8 
batting titles, and 5 gold gloves.
  Off the field, he has given back to his beloved community, San Diego. 
Tony and his wife, Alicia, established the Tony and Alicia Gwynn 
Foundation in 1994 to fund deserving local charitable organizations. He 
is also a leading participant in the Padres Scholars program that 
provides $125,000 per year in college scholarships for San Diego middle 
school students. He is active in various other philanthropic 
organizations, including the Police Athletic League, Casa de Amparo, 
the New Haven Home and the Epilepsy Society of San Diego. For his work, 
Tony was named the 1999 Roberto Clemente Man of the Year, given 
annually to the Major League Baseball player who combines extraordinary 
skills on the baseball field while being devoted to his community.
  Tony Gwynn will continue giving back to the only community he has 
ever played baseball for by returning to his alma mater, San Diego 
State University, to become its baseball coach following the 2002 
college season. There he will teach young players the intricacies of 
the game he has helped shape.
  It's been a joy to watch Tony Gwynn play the game--and I join his 
friends and family and wish him luck with the beginning of his coaching 
career. Everybody knows he will be a success because he does not know 
the meaning of the word failure.
  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and commend 
my constituent from Poway, California: Tony Gwynn of the San Diego 
Padres, for his achievements on and off the field.
  Mr. Speaker at the end of this season, Tony Gwynn will end his 
storied career in San Diego. I want to congratulate him for his hard 
work and commitment.

[[Page 18316]]

  Mr. Speaker on August 6, 1999, Tony Gwynn hit the 3,000th base hit of 
his career. As many baseball fans know, this was not an easy 
accomplishment. In the history of Major League Baseball, only 22 other 
ball-players hit 3,000 or more base hits. This achievement places Tony 
Gwynn in the pantheon of baseball legends including: Roberto Clemente, 
Lou Brock, and Hank Aaron.
  In 20 seasons, all with the San Diego Padres, Tony Gwynn has been the 
master of putting the ball into play. In the Padres 1998 National 
League Championship season, Tony had almost as many home runs as 
strikeouts, and struck out looking only three times. His hands are 
lightning-quick and he's able to wait until the last millisecond before 
connecting with the ball wherever it is pitched. He goes after the 
first good pitch he sees and almost always hits it, so he rarely walks. 
And Tony is renowned for his ability to hit balls through the left side 
of the infield.
  Tony has batted over .300 in 19 of those seasons and in the strike-
shortened season of 1994, batted an amazing .394. His career batting 
average is an astounding .338.
  Futhermore, off the baseball diamond, Tony has been a tremendous 
asset to the San Diego community. Tony, along with his wife Alicia, 
have given their time and effort in philanthropic causes. They don't 
like to talk about community efforts, but the Gwynns are involved in 
more than two dozen organizations--San Diego Police Athletic Leagues, 
Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, Padres Scholars, the Casa de Amparao, 
Neighborhood House, the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA to name a few--that 
benefit from his time, attention and money.
  In 1998, Tony led all Padres players in community appearances and 
joined seven-time American League batting champion Rod Carew for a 
historic youth batting clinic in Culiacin, Mexico, in March 1998. In 
addition, Tony was named the Individual of the Year at the 1998 Equal 
Opportunity Awards Dinner. He was also the 1995 Branch Rickey Award 
winner, and 1998 Padres Nominee for Major League Baseball's Roberto 
Clemente Man of the Year Award.
  These days children often pay to get professional athletes' 
autograph, picture, or signed memorabilia. Tony Gwynn has no part of 
this. Tony stays late at events to sign autographs; he's nice to young 
people; he's nice to everybody. I hope my colleagues will join me in 
honoring this tremendous individual for his multitude of 
accomplishments.
  I want to submit for the Record a copy of a resolution that I 
introduced last Congress, and urge all my Colleagues to support this 
resolution today.

                              H. Res. 284

       Whereas on August 6, 1999, Anthony (`Tony') Gwynn, of the 
     San Diego Padres major league baseball organization, hit his 
     3,000th career base hit;
       Whereas the last person in the National League to have 
     3,000 career base hits was Lou Brock, on August 13, 1979;
       Whereas in the history of major league baseball, only 22 
     other players have 3,000 or more base hits in their careers, 
     including such greats as Roberto Clemente, Rod Carew, and 
     Hank Aaron;
       Whereas Tony Gwynn is considered to be one of the greatest 
     major league hitters of the modern era, and was proclaimed 
     the `Greatest Hitter Since Ted Williams' by Sports 
     Illustrated;
       Whereas Tony Gwynn has won eight batting titles, tied for 
     the National League record only with Honus Wagner, and topped 
     only by the American League legend Ty Cobb;
       Whereas throughout his career Tony Gwynn has consistently 
     conducted himself with dignity, modesty, and selflessness 
     that has been an inspiration to all Americans;
       Whereas Tony Gwynn has also distinguished himself off the 
     baseball diamond as an active and valued member of the San 
     Diego community;
       Whereas Tony Gwynn, along with his wife Alicia, continue 
     their award-winning philanthropic efforts, and are extremely 
     active in supporting the Tony and Alicia Gwynn Foundation, 
     the Casa de Amparo, Police Athletic League, New Haven Home, 
     Neighborhood House, the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA, the 
     Epilepsy Society of San Diego, and many more organizations;
       Whereas in 1998, Tony Gwynn led all Padres players in 
     community appearances and joined seven-time American League 
     batting champion Rod Carew for a historic youth batting 
     clinic in Culiacan, Mexico, in March 1998; and
       Whereas Tony Gwynn was named the Individual of the Year at 
     the 1998 Equal Opportunity Awards Dinner, was the 1995 Branch 
     Rickey Award winner, as well as the 1998 Padres nominee for 
     Major League Baseball's Roberto Clemente Man of the Year 
     Award: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates 
     and commends Tony Gwynn of the San Diego Padres for his 
     amazing accomplishments on and off the baseball field, and 
     thanks him for many years of unsurpassed baseball excitement.

  Mr. HUNTER, Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the outstanding 
achievements of baseball great, Tony Gwynn, and give my full support to 
H. Res. 198, introduced by my San Diego colleague, Susan Davis. 
Throughout his 20 year career as a professional baseball player with 
the San Diego Padres, Tony Gwynn has been a role model both on and off 
the field.
  October 7th will mark the end of Tony Gwynn's professional baseball 
career as a player; a career played entirely in San Diego. Only 16 
players in baseball history have played at least 20 seasons and spent 
their entire career with one team.
  Throughout his remarkable career, the future Hall of Famer compiled a 
lifetime batting average of .338, gained over 3,000 hits (17th most in 
major league history), won 8 batting championships, 5 Gold Gloves, and 
is a 15-time National League All-Star. He currently leads all active 
players in career batting average, hits, and strikeout to walk ratio. 
He has struck out only 425 times in 9,186 career at bats; averaging 
only one strike out every 23.8 plate appearances.
  Not all of Tony Gwynn's accomplishments have been on the field. His 
ties to the San Diego community are just as strong as his numbers in 
the field. It is well known that Tony and his wife, Alicia, are great 
contributors to humanitarian efforts and devote themselves to community 
service. While they are widely recognized for helping build and furnish 
a YMCA in San Diego, what is not as well known are the other 
philanthropic efforts in which the Gwynns participated. They have 
helped pay funeral costs for those who could not afford them, obtained 
Christmas presents for needy families, and bought blocks of Padre 
tickets for children to sit near him in the right field seats.
  Tony and his wife have a son, Anthony II and a daughter, Anisha 
Nicole. Anthony is a freshman baseball player at San Diego State 
University, which is his father's alma mater. Now Anthony will have the 
ability to play once again with his first coach. Tony recently accepted 
the head coaching position for next year's San Diego State baseball 
team, continuing his efforts to give back to the community and the 
sport he loved so much.
  Mr. Speaker, Tony Gywnn is deservedly one of the most respected and 
admired professional athletes in the world. His dedication to his 
profession, family, and community provides a role model we all can look 
up to. We will miss number 19 in the Padre line-up, but thank him for 
all the great moments he has given to the San Diego community and wish 
him the best of luck in his future endeavors.
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1545

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Walden of Oregon). The question is on 
the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella) that 
the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 198.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

                          ____________________