Spending his entire two-decade-long playing career as a member of the San Diego Padres, Gwynn was named to a total of 15 All-Star Games along the way.
Advertisement
A sharply-dressed Rod Carew walked to the home plate area before the game with his wife, Rhonda and saluted an applauding crowd as the league announced that the American League batting title will be officially named the Rod Carew Award. Carew was in attendance to accept the honor, while the Gwynn family was on hand on behalf of the late Padre legend Gwynn.
Gwynn won eight batting championships in his 20 seasons in San Diego, including four straight from 1994 – 1997.
Spending 12 seasons with the Minnesota Twins and another seven with the California Angels, the renowned infielder was also named to a whopping 18 All-Star Games. “Major League Baseball is pleased to recognize their extraordinary careers by naming our batting crowns in their honor”.
Batting titles are prestigious to achieve, but the achievement now takes on a bit more significance because of the association with Gwynn and Carew.
Advertisement
Then the starting pitcher from the 1976 All-Star Game – NL Cy Young-winner Randy Jones – delivered the ceremonial first pitch to the Padres’ starter in the 2016 game, Wil Myers. And the Tony Gwynn Award will now go to the best hitter in the National League.
