“Healing Process”: Aztecs Retire Tony Gwynn's Coach Number

In an emotional remembrance ceremony Friday evening, the San Diego State Aztecs baseball team retired the number Tony Gwynn wore as a coach there for more than a decade.

The Hall of Famer wore the number 3 as an SDSU player, so that number is already retired there, but he became famous as a Padre wearing the number 19. Because he continued to wear that number as a coach, 19 was also retired Friday.

The ceremony took place just before the Aztecs’ 2015 season opener against Valparaiso. Gwynn's brother Chris and son, Tony Jr., attended in his honor, sharing stories about the iconic player and the lasting impact he had on the school.

Tony Jr. told NBC 7 it was an emotional night for him. While appreciated, these events can be hard, he said.

When asked if occasions like this reopen wounds of loss, he told NBC 7, "Yes and no. I think at this point, it's about my dad's life and his legacy here at San Diego State, so yeah, it becomes emotional at times, but at the same time, I try to enjoy the good stories and the positive memories that everybody has of my father."

When the SDSU season continued last year, Gwynn Jr. said it was hard for him to be there. Now, he finds the stories people share with him about his dad therapeutic, part of the "healing process."

"I think he's looking down now extremely proud of the legacy he left behind," Gwynn Jr. said. "More importantly, I think the people of San Diego all feel a part of it, and it makes it that much more of a family situation."

And taking part in remembering Gwynn was a packed house at the field named after him. Mr. Padre's son did color commentary for the radio broadcast of Friday's game.

Padres manager Bud Black, a college teammate of Gwynn's at SDSU, was also on hand for the ceremony.

"You know, this has been a tough year for all of us in San Diego. There's no doubt about that. It's been rough," said Black. "But Friday night will be another opportunity for us to honor Tony as an Aztec." 

To add to the pomp and circumstance, organizers revealed new artwork on the wall behind right field showing Gwynn along with SDSU Golden Spikes winners Stephen Strasburg and Travis Lee. The Golden Spikes Award is given to the best player in NCAA baseball each year.

The tributes to Gwynn will continue this weekend. On Saturday, the baseball team will sponsor an event to raise awareness of cancer, and on Sunday, the SDSU players and coaches will host a West Covina Little League clinic — an organization close to Gwynn’s heart.

The iconic San Diego Padres player died June 16, 2014, of salivary gland cancer at the age of 54.

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