Gwynn a proud papa as son makes big-league debut

By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | Saturday, July 15, 2006 9:57 PM PDT ∞

Former Padres star Tony Gwynn is no longer the only member of his household to wear a major-league uniform. He now shares that honor with son Tony.

The younger Gwynn was recalled by the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday and joined the team for their game in Phoenix against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

"He's in the big leagues and I'm happy for him," the elder Gwynn said via phone from Phoenix. "He's worked hard the last 3 1/2 years and as a parent, you're thrilled.

"I'm glad he's getting a chance to play in the big leagues. The hardest part is staying there, not getting there."

Tony Gwynn Jr. grounded out as a pinch hitter during the Brewers' 8-1 loss. He wasn't in the starting lineup against Arizona ace Brandon Webb (10-3) but was sent up to face the All-Star pitcher with runners on first and third in the sixth inning.

The former Poway High and San Diego State standout was batting .305 with 24 stolen bases for Nashville of the Pacific Coast League. The center fielder was Milwaukee's second-round draft choice in 2003.

Gwynn Jr. was recalled when the Brewers placed third baseman Corey Koskie on the disabled list with post-traumatic concussion syndrome.

When Tony Jr. initially learned of his recall, he phoned his father with the news. Gwynn initially thought his son was joking because they had just spent time discussing the topic at last week's Triple-A All-Star Game.

But shortly thereafter, Gwynn began driving to Phoenix to see his son's first major-league game. Gwynn's wife, Alicia, and daughter, Anisha, flew over to Phoenix shortly before game time. The Brewers play at Arizona again today and then head to San Francisco for three games.

Tony Gwynn won eight National League batting titles with the Padres and coached his son at San Diego State. He beamed with pride while envisioning his son's thoughts of being in a major-league dugout for the first time as a player.

"While he's sitting on that bench, I'm sure he's thrilled to have a big-league uniform on, taking big-league batting practice, to be staying in a big-league hotel and getting big-league meal money," Gwynn said.

Arizona's Stephen Drew also made his major-league debut Saturday night. The highly regarded prospect started at shortstop and batted eighth for the Diamondbacks. He went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.

Drew was recalled after Craig Counsell broke a rib Friday night. Counsell is expected to be sidelined three to six weeks.

Arizona's Conor Jackson homered twice for the Diamondbacks, who won their fifth straight and reached .500 (45-45) for the first time since June 21. Milwaukee All-Star Chris Capuano (10-5) suffered the loss.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.