San Diego Padres fans have given their fair share of ovations to a player named Gwynn.
On Tuesday night, however, their round of applause took on an extra special meaning.
The Philadelphia Phillies traveled to Petco Park for the first time this season Tuesday, three months to the day after beloved Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn passed away from cancer at the age of 54. The significance of the moment was not lost on Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg, who inserted Gwynn’s son, Tony Gwynn Jr., into the starting lineup to bat leadoff and play center field.
When Gwynn Jr. stepped into the box to lead off the game, Padres fans greeted him a touching welcome.
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The 31-year-old received a standing ovation from the Phillies crowd in his first at-bat following his father’s death, but Tuesday night undoubtedly had extra significance for Gwynn Jr. in the city where his father left such an enduring legacy.
San Diego went on to win the game 5-4.
H/t to MLB Fan Cave
