With the All-Star game in San Diego this season, it’s impossible not to think about San Diego Padres legendary outfielder Tony Gwynn. The Hall of Famer earned the nickname “Mr. Padre” after spending 20 exceptional seasons with the club. No player personifies the Padres better than Gwynn.
Though Gwynn died due to salivary gland cancer in 2014, his impact around the game is still felt today. That love and respect doesn’t just come from San Diego fans, it also comes from current players and even some of Gwynn’s former opponents.
One of those opponents was Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz, who just so happened to be in the booth calling the All-Star game.