[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10614]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


      TONY GWYNN: A MAN OF UNRIVALED SKILL AND EXEMPLARY CHARACTER

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                          HON. SCOTT H. PETERS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 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, the 
highest since Ted Williams. 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 remarkable 
character and 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, he 
remained in San Diego to dedicate the remainder of his life to coaching 
at his alma mater, San Diego State University. A role model to many, 
Gwynn focused more on brightening the lives of others than on pursuing 
fame and fortune for himself. He is remembered for his kindness and 
generosity as well as for his infectious laugh.
  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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