Gwynn, "Tony" (Anthony K.)
Baseball
b. May 9, 1960, Los Angeles, CA
The left-handed Gwynn, who won four NL batting titles during the 1980s, is best known as a hitter, but he's also a dangerous base stealer and an excellent defensive outfielder who has won five Gold Glove Awards.
He joined the NL's San Diego Padres in 1982 season but was on the disabled list for the last month and he also missed the beginning of the 1983 season. In 1984, he stayed healthy and led the league with 213 hits and a .351 batting average.
Gwynn led the league in runs with 107 and hits with 211 in 1986. He then won three straight batting titles, hitting .370 in 1987, .313 in 1988, and .336 in 1989. Gwynn won four batting titles in a row, from 1994 through 1997, tying Honus Wagner's National League record of 8. He also led the league in hits seven times. His .394 average in 1994 was the highest in the National League since Bill Terry's .401 in 1930, and it was the best in the majors since Ted Williams' .406 average in 1941.
Bothered by knee, hip, and back problems during the last several years of his career, Gwynn announced at the 2001 All-Star Game that he would retire when the season ended. He hit .300 or better in 18 consecutive seasons, a league record.
Gwynn became the baseball coach at San Diego State, his alma mater, in 2003.