Tony Gwynn has second number retired at San Diego State

The San Diego State University baseball team opened its season on Friday night, and though the usual excitement and optimism that fills the air prior to a season opener was clearly apparent, there was also a feeling of emptiness and sadness. For the first time since 2003, the program is entering a season without its teacher, and its leader and its driving force, Tony Gwynn.

Gwynn, who died last June 16 after a long battle with cancer, was arguably the school’s most accomplished athlete. Of course, we all know of his baseball prowess, but he was also a skilled playmaker on the basketball court. In fact, he went to SDSU to play basketball, spending all four of his years on the hoops squad.

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For the past 12 season though, Gwynn served as the head baseball coach at his alma mater. A position, challenge and responsibility he relished as much, if not more than his days on the field, and a job that allowed him to give back to the school that educated him and helped develop his skills.

It was a mutually beneficial relationship that spanned over 35 years, and for that, SDSU paid tribute to Gwynn with a most unique, yet deserving honor.

In a special on field ceremony, Gwynn’s famous No. 19 was retired, which in and of itself is a pretty cool gesture. Aside from being inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame, which Gwynn was in 2007, having his uniform retired is about the next highest honor. But it’s also one he’d already received from SDSU. Gwynn’s No. 3, which he wore during his playing days at SDSU, was retired many years ago, so now he has two numbers he’ll forever be linked to.

We’re guessing having two different numbers retired by the same team doesn’t happen very often. In fact, we’ve been unable to find a similar honor. If one does exist, we’re sure we’ll hear about it in due time. But the point here is that Gwynn obviously made a lasting impact on the university at two vastly different points in his life, which speaks to his consistency as a person and his brilliance as a baseball player and teacher. 

In addition to the uniform honor, a new mural was revealed on the wall behind right field showing Gwynn along with SDSU Golden Spikes winners Stephen Strasburg — who was in attendance on Friday — and Travis Lee.

New mural at Tony Gwynn Stadium. #Aztecs honoring Tony tonight before season opener. pic.twitter.com/3SIWwBWp62

— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) February 14, 2015

The tributes are scheduled to continue over the weekend as well. On Saturday, the baseball team will sponsor an event to raise cancer awareness, and on Sunday, the SDSU players and coaches will host a West Covina Little League clinic, which was one of Gwynn’s favorite organizations.

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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813