Gwynn stands tall at Petco

By: STEVE SCHOLFIELD - Staff Writer | Saturday, March 10, 2007 10:45 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- The familiar chant of "Tony, Tony, Tony" reverberated around Petco Park on Saturday night.

It was a refreshing moment of nostalgia for Tony Gwynn, the greatest Padre of them all.

The occasion was the Tony Gwynn Classic, a college baseball doubleheader featuring the University of San Diego, Oklahoma, San Diego State and Michigan.

Many of the estimated 13,500 fans showed up primarily to see the ceremony honoring Gwynn. It was the first time they had a chance to recognize Gwynn's latest achievement, election to the Hall of Fame.

With his easy-going personality, his ready smile and his devotion to San Diego, it is clear why fans consider Gwynn the most popular athlete to play here.

His dedication to his sport has not stopped after becoming head coach at San Diego State.

Both the Padres and the university continue to use Gwynn's name to promote their programs.

During the ceremony, Gwynn was introduced by Jane Forbes Clark, chairwomen of the Hall of Fame.

She told the crowd that only 1 percent of all baseball players are elected to the Hall and that Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr. will be the 199th and 200th players so honored in late July.

After showing a video of his playing career, and with the fans again repeating the chant, "Tony, Tony, Tony," Gwynn stepped to the podium behind home plate.

He thanked everyone for coming and said he appreciated all the support. But his voice cracked when he said, "It's great that you remember what I did."

Prior to the game Gwynn told me that his life has changed dramatically since he was elected to the Hall.

Everyone, it seems, wants a piece of his time.

"I'm getting a lot more mail and e-mails, but that comes with the territory," Gwynn said.

He understands there is an obligation associated with being a Hall of Famer.

"I try to keep an open mind because the Hall of Fame is a national thing, not just a San Diego thing," he said. "I try to pick my spots. As a coach, San Diego State is my first responsibility. And when the game starts I'm not a Hall of Famer, I'm a baseball coach."

Being a college baseball coach is costing Gwynn money.

In the past, other Hall of Fame inductees have used the moment to make money, either through card shows or appearance fees.

Gwynn turned down a deal that would have brought him close to $200,000.

His agent, John Boggs, said one of the shopping channels was going to pay Gwynn to appear and sell autographs and other baseball paraphernalia.

But according to Boggs, Gwynn said no because it would violate an NCAA rule concerning self-promotion. Boggs estimated that it would cost Gwynn $200,000.

Now there is a man of integrity.

"I'm going to bust John Boggs for telling that story," Gwynn said.

So it is true?

"There are just some things you can't do," Gwynn said.

It is too bad we can't take Gwynn's attitude and transport it into the minds and hearts of some of these professional athletes who think they are above the law.

There are players from USD, Oklahoma, Michigan and San Diego State who will never forget Saturday night.

For many, it will be their only chance to play on a big-league field.

"This is one of the best major league stadiums," USD head coach Rich Hill said. "Most of the players on these four teams won't stand on major league sod again. It's a chance of a lifetime, and we have Tony Gwynn to thank for that."

Tony Gwynn is a gift that keeps on giving.

Steve Scholfield is senior sports columnist for the North County Times. He can be reached at (760) 740-3509 or stevescho@cox.net.