Updated 7:25 p.m. June 18, 2014.
The Padres offered a touching and simple pregame tribute Wednesday to Tony Gwynn, the Hall of Fame right-fielder who died of cancer Monday at the age of 54.
The game against the Seattle Mariners is the first at Petco Park since the death of the eight-time National League batting champion, but a larger public salute is to come.
In the evening, the Padres also announced plans for the free public memorial to the beloved right-fielder. It will take place at Petco Park beginning at 7:19 p.m. on June 26, according to the team.
As part of Wednesday’s pregame events, Mark Martinez, who is set to succeed Gwynn as San Diego State University‘s head baseball coach, threw out the ceremonial first pitch, surrounded by his team. Padre skipper and former Aztec Bud Black served as catcher for the toss. Black played with Gwynn at SDSU.
Martinez led the Aztecs during the second half of the college season while Gwynn was on medical leave.
The Padres played a video compilation of Gwynn highlights scored by Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” and then the team surrounded a number “19” that had been etched into the grass in right field before the crowd shared in a prolonged moment of silence – 19-seconds – for the Hall of Famer.
Because of the game Wednesday night, the Park in the Park was closed to the public at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, according to the Padres.
Fans with game tickets were allowed into the park beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Separately, Mayor Kevin Faulconer encouraged San Diegans to wear Padres gear Thursday in honor of Gwynn. The date, July 19, matches his uniform number.
“Tony Gwynn is a true San Diego icon,” Faulconer said. “As San Diegans continue to mourn the loss of a Hall of Famer on and off the field, I encourage all of San Diego to pay tribute to Number 19 on the 19th.”
Faulconer issued a notice to city employees, asking them to wear Tony Gwynn gear, Padres attire or something with the team’s logo or colors.
Hundreds of mourners have streamed to the park beyond the outfield fence the past two days to pay their respects at Gwynn’s statue, leaving behind flowers, notes, photos and memorabilia.
The homestand that begins Wednesday features two games against Seattle and three against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
— City News Service
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