Devastating news. He was one of the greatest hitters in baseball history. Only 54.....damn.

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/11091626/hall-famer-tony-gwynn-san-diego-padres-died

He was loved very much here.

More than Mr. Padre, Tony... San Diego

Jun 16, 2014, 10 a.m.

Sadness crashed over San Diego like waves Monday as word spread that Padres great Tony Gwynn had lost his long at-bat with cancer and died at 54. The outpouring of emotion was proof that the Hall of Fame outfielder — 3,141 hits! a 20-year .338 batting average! — was much more than his moniker, Mr. Padre. He was SDSU. He was San Diego. Gwynn meant much to many; his 3,142nd hit was himself. Condolences came in from his family and team, his university and others, prominent politicians and landmark local businesses and, of course, from everyday fans who followed his career and coaching and community work. Thanks for everything, Tony. You rarely missed, but we miss you plenty. More than Mr. Padre, Tony... San Diego

Jun 16, 2014, 10 a.m.

Sadness crashed over San Diego like waves Monday as word spread that Padres great Tony Gwynn had lost his long at-bat with cancer and died at 54. The outpouring of emotion was proof that the Hall of Fame outfielder — 3,141 hits! a 20-year .338 batting average! — was much more than his moniker, Mr. Padre. He was SDSU. He was San Diego. Gwynn meant much to many; his 3,142nd hit was himself. Condolences came in from his family and team, his university and others, prominent politicians and landmark local businesses and, of course, from everyday fans who followed his career and coaching and community work. Thanks for everything, Tony. You rarely missed, but we miss you plenty.

[Edited 6/16/14 10:47am]

Wow so young. I wish we find the cure to Cancer already, so many have lost the lives to Cancer.

One of the good guys of baseball.

man, i loved Tony Gwynn. One of my hitting heroes. Low key guy, just hit the baseball, CONSISTENTLY. so inspired by his life. one that was too short! Find a cure indeed!!

file it up there with the other "death" stickies

hell, just call this entire forum the General Death Sticky Discussion forum

So many heroes dying at the same time. Casey Kasem, Chuck Noll, and now Tony Gwynn. Granted Gwynn was having cancer issues for several years, but this still hurts. RIP Tony Gywnn, one of the great hitters in baseball history.

728huey said:

So many heroes dying at the same time. Casey Kasem, Chuck Noll, and now Tony Gwynn. Granted Gwynn was having cancer issues for several years, but this still hurts. RIP Tony Gywnn, one of the great hitters in baseball history.

He blamed the cancer on dipping tobacco.