In Memoriam...or Not
Adam Wainwright piped one for Derek Jeter, Jeter passed the torch to superstar Mike Trout, and the AL beat the NL in a meaningful game between two teams that played 32 players each. This years All-Star game was full of storylines and the national media drew attention to all of them...except one.
HOF'er Tony Gwynn went unmentioned despite being well respected throughout the league and well revered by fans and media alike. After passing away a little more than a month ago from cancer, it was thought that Major League Baseball or Fox would take a moment to remember Mr. Padre. Unfortunately, Fox was unable to find time to bring attention to Gwynn's passing, his lasting memory, or the touching act by Orioles outfieder Adam Jones.
Jones, the starting centerfiielder for the AL squad, remembered the late Gwynn by writing "TG19" on his cap. The nod was mentioned throughout social media and was well-received from those that saw it, but the obvious opportunity to honor the late great Gwynn went unnoticed on Tuesday's television boradcast.
Jones, who grew up in San Diego, idolized Gwynn growing up and became friends with the Hall of Famer after Gwynn recruited him to San Diego State. Despite turning down the offer so he could turn pro, Jones has worked out with Gwynn and his sons for the ten seasons. Because of his battle with cancer Gwynn was unable to participate in workouts last offseason.
The lack of a Gwynn memoriam took a backseat in the national media thanks to "pipegate" and Derek Jeter's sendoff, but social media responded in uproar towards the lack of homage shown for Mr. Padre.
