It’s no secret that sports athletes, even legends, often come under attack by keyboard warriors on social media.
One legend in particular recently came under attack. While many believe in the tactic of ignoring the noise, this deceased legend’s son couldn’t resist sticking up for his father.
Tony Gwynn Jr., son of MLB Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn, found himself defending his father’s illustrious career after a controversial post on X questioned his father’s place in baseball history.
The post that sparked the exchange was from an account called “Exploring Baseball History,” which suggested that Tony Gwynn, affectionately known as “Mr. Padre,” might be “the most overrated player that just about everyone agrees belongs in the HOF.”
Tony Gwynn Jr. did not hesitate to respond.
“So you woke up and decided this was the way you wanted to start the day? By trying to knock my pops?” Jr. shot back. “The discourse that was being had about my pops and judge, and whoever else must have really gotten under your skin that bad, huh? Hey, I guess everybody’s entitled to their opinion. You’re in the real small minority though. Carry on.”
Gwynn Jr.’s defense of his father quickly resonated with many, drawing over a hundred supportive comments.
The “Exploring Baseball History” account, seeing the backlash, attempted to clarify its stance, stating, “Ok, not dragging your dad who I said clearly belongs in the HoF. Making a comment about how I find the discourse around him weird (which obviously he can’t control). I am sorry for causing any pain on that front by my poor choice of words.”
Gwynn Jr. graciously accepted the apology but made his position clear: “All good my man. My intent certainly was not to have everybody at your neck like this. That being said, if you’re on here taking shots at my pops or trying to discredit him in any way and I catch it on a day I have time, I’m definitely gonna have something to say.”
Tony Gwynn, who earned the nickname “Mr. Padre,” spent his entire 20-year career with the San Diego Padres, retiring with a remarkable .338 batting average – the highest since Ted Williams’ .344.
Elected to the Hall of Fame in 2007, Gwynn’s legacy as one of baseball’s greatest hitters remains untouchable for many fans and experts alike.
Sadly, he passed away in 2014 due to salivary gland cancer.
Tony Gwynn Jr., who also played in the Majors for Milwaukee, San Diego, Los Angeles and Philadelphia, has transitioned into a successful broadcasting career.
Currently he serves as an analyst for the Padres, and he has earned an Emmy for his work in sports media.
What are your thoughts on the back-and-forth?
More importantly, what are your thoughts on Gwynn’s career? … Do you think he’s a tad overrated? Or do you view him as one of the best pure contact hitters in baseball history???