Tony Gywnn: Padre Forever

Future Hall of Famer, Tony Gywnn.

By Johnny McDonald

Tony Gwynn had the satisfaction a year ago of beating his ex-Padres teammates in Petco Park when his San Diego State team played Houston in a college baseball game. It also was a year in which he would take the Aztecs to a conference championship.

The affable future Hall of Famer is still a Padre as far as 200 luncheon guests at the Hall of Champions were concerned, as they delayed his trip to the practice field with countless questions. He then spent several extra minutes signing autographs.

Gwynn has made a comfortable switch from professional ball player to coach. In his second year at the helm, he took the Aztecs to the Mountain West Conference championship, and the team is the preseason pick

to repeat.

He has been successful in recruiting players, including local products. His chief concern are not the powerhouses of USC and Fullerton State, but professional baseball.

“I lost 15 players to the pros,” he said. “They just don’t realize that after two years, they may not make the grade because they lacked the experience.

“Most people thought I’d give coaching about four years and then move on to something else. I’m still here, still enjoying it. I’d say this year, I’ve got a lot of young, aggressive, don’t-know-any-better team. They aren’t concerned with the name on the other uniforms.”

Keeping Busy

Gwynn will keep busy away from campus, joining the Channel 4 baseball broadcast crew and doing a few games for ESPN as an analyst.

He says he’s happy in what he’s doing at San Diego State and thinks he’s making a difference.

“It’s nice to pass on my years of experience to these young players,” he said. “It’s nice to see them take my advice — it’s rewarding.

“I get to drag my own infield, work on the pitcher’s mound,” he said. “Jerry Coleman told me the best player is your shortstop. I got shortstops playing all over the field.”

Gwynn said he spends a lot of time on recruiting. He goes after what he considers the best, but only those he feels are easier to teach.

“I think I’m getting the best guys in town. We aren’t going to send out 100 to 200 letters telling them we’re interested in them.

“We’re pretty straightforward in the courtship. Everything is on the table. I’m not going to badmouth what other universities do or not do.”

Three of his recruits were among the top 52 prep players in the nation: pitchers Sean O’Sullivan from Valhalla (fifth), Nick Romero from Eastlake (34th) and Henry Sanchez from Mission Bay (51st).

Five of his players have been selected on the preseason all-conference team: utility-designated hitter Brock Ungricht, shortstop James Guerrero, outfielder Jake McLintock, second baseman Lance Zawadski and pitcher Bruce Billings.

If any of Gwynn’s teachings are productive, you may see a few of the players in the majors someday.