June 18, 2014
SAN DIEGO, Calif. - On behalf of the Gwynn family, the San Diego Padres have announced that a free, public memorial tribute to Tony Gwynn will be held on Thursday, June 26 at 7:19 p.m. at Petco Park. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Fans may enter through the Home Plate or Park Boulevard gates on Park Blvd., as well as the Gaslamp Gate on 7th Ave. or the East Village gate on 10th Ave.
The event will celebrate Tony's legendary life, accomplishments, and contributions to the Padres, to San Diego, and to the sport of baseball. It will feature special guests from throughout his lifetime. Free parking will be provided in three locations: two surface lots along Imperial Avenue (Parcel C lot and Tailgate lot) on the southeast side of Petco Park, and the Padres Parkade garage (10th Ave at J St).
In addition to his Hall of fame career with the Padres, Gwynn served as the head baseball coach at San Diego State from 2003-14. During his tenure the Aztecs won four Mountain West Championships and made three appearances at the NCAA Regionals. He was named the conference Coach of the Year in his second season (2004) when he led his team to the Mountain West regular-season title.
In addition, Padres players are now wearing a patch on their jerseys in honor of Tony, and will do so for the remainder of the season. The patch of Tony's retired 19 inside of home plate will be worn on the left side, over the heart.