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Padres honor Tony Gwynn’s birthday by announcing new community youth endeavor

By Gabrielle Starr

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES: San Diego Padres Tony Gwynn tips his cap after pinch hitting during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants 28 September, 2001 in San Francisco. Gwynn popped-out but acknowledges the Giants-applauding crowd as his career comes close to an end. AFP PHOTO-John G. MABANGLO/jgm (Photo credit should read JOHN G. MABANGLO/AFP via Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES: San Diego Padres Tony Gwynn tips his cap after pinch hitting during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants 28 September, 2001 in San Francisco. Gwynn popped-out but acknowledges the Giants-applauding crowd as his career comes close to an end. AFP PHOTO-John G. MABANGLO/jgm (Photo credit should read JOHN G. MABANGLO/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Padres honor the late Tony Gwynn with wonderful new community youth initiative

On what would have been Mr. Padres’ 62nd birthday, his team is honoring him in a beautiful way.

The San Diego Padres announced Monday that they are opening the Tony Gwynn Community All-Star Program to honor and further the beloved legend’s commitment to the local community.

MLB.com had the details:

"“All students ages 18 and under are encouraged to apply for a grant from the TGCAP so long as they are currently involved in working with a local non-profit in their support of underserved segments throughout the San Diego Community. As part of the application, students will be asked to detail how they came to be involved with their organizations, how their work aligns with their passions, and how receiving the award would impact their community. Four winners will each receive a $5,000 grant awarded to their organization in the winner’s name.”"

And here’s the fine print:

"“The Tony Gwynn Community All-Star Program recognizes and honors San Diego’s youth who follow in his footsteps and support their local community. Students ages 18 and under working in conjunction with a local non-profit organization to support underserved segments of our community are encouraged to apply for a grant from the TGCASP to support their efforts. Four grants at $5,000 each will be awarded to local organizations in the name of the winners. Students must apply by June 4th, 2022.”"

What a wonderful way to honor the beloved Padres legend and one of the greatest to ever play the game.

A first-ballot Hall of Famer, Gwynn spent his entire career with the Padres, debuting in 1982, and retiring in 2001. He was an 8-time batting champion, 15-time All-Star, 5-time Gold Glove and 7-time Silver Slugger winner, as well as the recipient of the 1999 Roberto Clemente Award. Somehow, and it’s utterly mind-boggling, he was never the league MVP.

Manny Machado also endorsed the new initiative and raved about the franchise icon:

And for Monday night’s game, the Gwynn family took the field.

Gwynn’s life was cut tragically short, but his legacy lives on in his family and now, this new Padres initiative.

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