[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 19750]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       CONGRATULATING TONY GWYNN

  Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Tony Gwynn on his induction into the National Baseball 
Hall of Fame on July 29, 2007. During an illustrious 20-year career 
spent entirely with the San Diego Padres, Tony Gwynn was a consummate 
sportsman whose excellence at the plate earned him the recognition as 
one of the greatest hitters in the game's long and storied history.
  A native Californian, Tony Gwynn was a standout student-athlete at 
San Diego State University, where he excelled on the school's baseball 
and basketball teams. Tony remains the only athlete in Western Athletic 
Conference history to be recognized as an all-conference performer in 
two sports. His talents on the baseball diamond and the basketball 
court would lead to his selection by the San Diego Padres and the 
National Basketball Association's San Diego Clippers on the same day in 
1981.
  Tony Gwynn made his major league debut on July 19, 1982. Over the 
course of the next 20 years, he would compile one of the most 
accomplished resumes in baseball history. A remarkable model of 
consistency, Tony batted over .300 for 19 consecutive seasons, leading 
to 3,141 career hits. A 15-time All-Star, he won 8 batting titles 
during his career, tying the National League record held by Honus 
Wagner. He is the only player in major league history to win four 
batting titles in 2 separate decades. A true all-around player, Tony 
also won five Gold Glove Awards in recognition of his defensive 
excellence in the outfield.
  In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Tony Gwynn has also 
been widely recognized for his passion and commitment to make a 
positive impact in the community. In 1995, he was presented the Branch 
Rickey Award as the top community activist in Major League Baseball. He 
received the prestigious Roberto Clemente Man of the Year Award in 1999 
for combining sportsmanship and community service with excellence on 
the field. That same year, he was inducted into the World Sports 
Humanitarian Hall of Fame in Boise, ID.
  Affectionately known as ``Mr. Padre,'' the Padres retired his No. 19 
jersey and named the street on which its beautiful downtown stadium is 
located ``Tony Gwynn Drive'' in his honor. Judging from his excellence 
on and off the field, it is clear to see why Tony Gwynn is one of the 
most admired and beloved sports figures in America.
  As his teammates and fans would attest, Tony Gwynn is a deserving 
inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Throughout his career 
in baseball, Tony has consistently conducted himself with integrity, 
character, and a commitment to community service, all the qualities 
that embody the best ideals of our national pastime.
  I congratulate Tony Gwynn on his induction in the National Baseball 
Hall of Fame and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

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