Story and photos by Chris Stone

A Padres tissue box sits at foot of Tony Gwynn statue in the Park in the Park outside Petco.
A Padres tissue box sits at foot of Tony Gwynn statue in the Park in the Park outside Petco.

Someone brought a San Diego Padres tissue box. But a truckload wasn’t enough to dry the tears of a legion of fans paying respects Monday to Tony Gwynn at Petco Park.

Gathered at the Hall of Famer’s statue at the Park in the Park downtown, hundreds of people left flowers, baseballs, balloons, candles and written tributes to the greatest baseball player to wear a San Diego uniform.

With many wearing No. 19 shirts, Gwynn’s retired number, they streamed into Petco as if they were attending a game. They hugged each other, wiping away tears.

The prevailing sentiment was appreciation for Gwynn’s loyalty and work ethic — and the fact he stayed in San Diego his entire career instead of leaving for a bigger market and paycheck.

Fans drove down from as far as Los Angeles to commiserate with other Padres fans and share stories. Gwynn was described as a father figure, brother and certainly a hero to San Diego. Most people walked up the hill and gathered around the statue. Some talked about how Gwynn made them baseball fans, and watched him for all his 20 years.

The scoreboard carried a picture of Gwynn, and the video screen showed highlights of his career.

The team was expected to keep the Park in the Park open till 11:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

Jason Brody from L.A. said he admired Gwynn for his talent.
Father and daughter Don and Jackie Raynor hug as they mourn the death of Tony Gwynn.
Rocio Hodges of Chula Vista watches a video tribute to Tony Gwynn as she holds a sign she made for Gwynn’s Hall of Fame induction.
Many fans wore their Gwynn shirts. The Padres played a video tribute, showing highlights of his career.
Amanda Coronado and Alfonso Camacho comfort each other as they watch fans place flowers and balloons at the foot of the Tony Gwynn statue at Petco Park.
Brandon Cine of San Diego sits at the Park in the Park and reads a Bill Center book about the Padres as a video tribute plays in the background.
Deborah Ellis of Spring Valley weeps as she views the Gwynn tribute. Her husband, Bill, called her a No. 1 fan.
Items left at the foot of the Tony Gwynn statue include a Chargers football signed by the Spanos family, flowers, balloons, candles and Padres hats.
Mo Dye of San Diego wipes away tears as he remembers Tony Gwynn.
Many fans left person messages on items they left and cards for the Gwynn family.
Fans stood in silence, while some wiped away tears at the makeshift memorial.
Flowers and a Gwynn bobblehead doll were left at Gwynn’s feet.
Fans placed mementos at Tony Gwynn’s statue in Petco Park. Photo credit: Chris Stone
Brett Jaress leaves flowers at the makeshift memorial.