How Did Tony Gwynn Die? Baseball Hall of Famer Dies at 54 from Cancer

Baseball Hall-of-Famer Tony Gwynn dies at 54-years-old after battling salivary gland cancer. The 15-time All-Star, who spent his entire 20-year career with the San Diego Padres, was diagnosed with cancer back in 2010.

How Did Tony Gwynn Die? Baseball Hall of Famer Dies at 54 from Cancer â€" photo from Wikipedia

After the news of his death was released, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement:

“Major League Baseball today mourns the tragic loss of Tony Gwynn, the greatest Padre ever and one of the most accomplished hitters that our game has ever known, whose all-around excellence on the field was surpassed by his exuberant personality and genial disposition in life…

“For more than 30 years, Tony Gwynn was a source of universal goodwill in the National Pastime, and he will be deeply missed by the many people he touched. On behalf of all of our Clubs, I extend my deepest condolences to Tony’s wife Alicia, their son Tony Jr. of the Phillies, their daughter Anisha, the Padres franchise, his fans in San Diego and his many admirers throughout Baseball.”

Tony Gwynn was best known for being a great hitter as he earned 3,141 hits and a .338 batting average. The 5 time Gold Glove Award winner also was known for being a solid fielder as well. Gwynn was inducted to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007 with Cal Ripken. Nicknamed Mr. Padre due to his loyalty with the San Diego Padres, Gwynn retired from the game in 2001. He spent the remainder of professional career as the head baseball coach for San Diego State University.

While the majority of the family has remained silent about his death, Gwynn’s son, Tony Gwynn Jr., an outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, tweeted:

“Today I lost my Dad, my best friend and my mentor. I’m gonna miss u so much pops. I’m gonna do everything in my power to continue to… Make u proud!”

How Did Tony Gwynn Die? Baseball Hall of Famer Dies at 54 from Cancer.