#Shortstops: Gwynn's journey to 3,000
On Aug. 6, 1999, Tony Gwynn reached the 3,000-hit mark at Olympic Stadium in Montreal. He reached 3,000 hits in fewer games than any player born in the 20th century, but in the moment that cemented him as one of the game's greatest, Gwynn was overcome with relief more than anything else.
His helmet, which Gwynn wore that night for his 3,000th hit and later donated to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, represents more than just an accomplishment or a statistic. It represents the journey the legends of the game must go through to achieve these other-worldly feats, and the challenges they overcome in the process.
Three thousand career hits is the ultimate mark of the greatest hitters baseball has ever seen, and as the calendar flipped to Aug. 2 in the summer of 1999, Gwynn stood at 2,994 career hits. The baseball world knew that the sweet swinging left-hander was about to enter into a category unlike any other.
Although Gwynn’s hopes of getting to 3,000 hits in San Diego, where he spent the entirety of his 20-year career, were dashed after batting just 3-for-11 in the Padres’ homestand against Houston, Gwynn had found peace in the hopes of achieving the feat in St. Louis, where the Padres were set to start their road trip that Monday.
St. Louis was special for Gwynn, as he endeavored to become the first National League player to reach 3,000 hits since Cardinals legend Lou Brock did in 1979. Brock planned on attending the Padres’ upcoming series in St. Louis.
More than 40,000 people filed into Busch Stadium each night from Aug. 3 through Aug. 5. Mark McGwire needed only three home runs for 500 in his career at the time, adding to the suspense. Many St. Louisan ticket buyers hoped to see both achievements on the same night.
McGwire delivered, hitting No. 500 during the final game of the series. Gwynn, however, fell just one hit short.
“I really wanted to get number 3,000 in St. Louis,” Gwynn said. “The crowds were really electric. The fans knew what was going on. They knew it and they were into it… almost as much for me as for Mark.”
Gwynn took his 2,999 hits to Montreal following the Cardinals series, and by then the feeling had begun shifting from excitement to anxiousness.
“I really just want to get this behind me,” Gwynn told reporters before the Padres game against Montreal on Aug. 6.
There was one big benefit for Gwynn if he reached his mark that night: “I can solve one problem I have right now if I get it tonight. If you remember six years ago tonight, you know what I am talking about.”
Gwynn was referring to his 2,000th hit on Aug. 6, 1993, which also happened to be his mother Vendella’s birthday.
Unlike in St. Louis, his entire family had not traveled to Montreal – Tony Jr. had returned to California. Gwynn’s mother continued on the journey to watch her son, however.
With his mother in attendance, Gwynn stepped into the left-handed batter's box for his first at-bat of the game. Dan Smith, the rookie right-hander for the Expos, delivered a 1-2 pitch and Gwynn smacked it into center field for a single. 3,000.
Tony Gwynn entered the 3,000-hit club 25 years ago today — Mr. Padre’s star for the ages.
The historic hit came six years to the day of collecting his 2,000th, and the date was also the birthday of Gwynn’s mother, Vendella. pic.twitter.com/8oLRByq4jU
— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) August 6, 2024
“The 15,000 people who were there I think really enjoyed it, and I know I did,” said Gwynn. “I’m glad to get it over with. It had been a long grind, but it was also a big thrill.”
Gwynn was greeted by his family on the field; his mother simply said “thanks” in his ear.
Gwynn escorted his family off the field and into the corridor behind the Padres’ clubhouse. He then turned around and had a quick moment to regain his composure.
In that moment, Gwynn was sure to have been reminded of 17 years prior: His first hit, a double to left-center field against the Philadelphia Phillies. As Gwynn ran to second base, the Phillies first basemen trailed him there. “Congratulations,” said Pete Rose. “Don’t try to catch me in one night.”
Padres long-time beat writer Bill Center was there in the tunnel, watching “Mr. Padre” as he attempted to soak in the moment after his 3,000th hit.
“I’m spent,” Gwynn said to Center. “I’m more relieved than celebrating.”
He then trotted back onto the field, returning to the game he loved. It was a love that drove him to be the best. A drive for greatness that landed him in Cooperstown.
Kieran Dougherty is the 2025 multimedia intern in the Frank and Peggy Steele Internship Program for Leadership Development
