How come Tony Gwynn only played 140+ games 7 times (in 20 MLB seasons)?
2007-07-30 11:55:53 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Baseball
RELAX people. I just thought it was weird that he averaged around 130 games a season. I have 100% respect for Tony Gywnn, and he is the best hitter I have ever seen.
2007-07-30 12:56:08 · update #1
Injuries were something that Tony Gwynn fought, like most top-notch players do(ankles, feet fractures, etc.). But as he gained weight, the injuries became more frequent, resulting in less games played.Still, he did pretty well (12th amongst modern players for career batting average, as well as 8 NL batting titles.The only other player to do that was Honus Wagner(his 8th batting title was in 1911). Many would trade for his lack of stamina.
2007-07-30 12:17:53 · answer #1 · answered by John B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let me start by saying there are thousands of guys playing or that have played for major league clubs that wish they could have even had a 7 year career.
Anyways, lets throw out 1982 and 1983. He didn't get called up to the majors until half way through the 1982 season and in 1983 he was a platoon player. The last 2 seasons of his career he suffered some injuries and spent a lot of time on the DL. The other 16 seasons the fewest amount of games he played was 110. Figure most players (Cal Ripken, Jr. is an expeption to this rule) are only going to play 140-150 games a season because they'll sit out for rest. Add in a couple of stints on the 15 day DL, which is almost takes a miracle to avoid for a lot of players, and you get some seasons where played less than 140 games. He averaged 137 games per season over that stretch of 16 years and thats more than most players can say.
2007-07-30 12:14:33 · answer #2 · answered by DoReidos 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Two reasons.
1. Tony Gwynn played very hard, which led to injuries in the outfield, and maybe some pulled hamstrings.
2. Not being mean here, but he was a pretty hefty guy. I saw him as a 24-year old in the 1984 World Series, and he didn't have your prototypical right fielder's body. He also gained much weight as his career went on. Still, he had some great wheels until later in his career when his weight and the leg injuries caught up with him.
2007-07-30 12:47:33 · answer #3 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'll take Ted Williams over Tony Gwynn. Nothing against Tony mind you, and I have alot of respect for his ability and professionalism; in San Diego they love Gwynn. Still, Ted Williams has .344 life time average and THIS after losing 5 years of his career because of two wars (WW II and Korea). Williams was also a decorated US Marine Aviator. I'll take the "Splendid Splinter".
2016-05-18 01:01:56 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People don't realize Tony was a star point guard at San Diego State University. He was also drafted in the NBA draft. Of course we know which road he ended up taking.
So as far as I know playing basketball and starring on the team takes stamina.
2007-07-30 12:17:27 · answer #5 · answered by Veritas et Aequitas () 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tony Gwynn is one of the greatest ballplayers to ever put on a uniform. He played for several years with an achilles tendon problem. Why do people like you...who have NO baseball knowledge...try to dishoner a great baseball player?
2007-07-30 12:05:15 · answer #6 · answered by Toodeemo 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Late in his career, he was injured frequently. However, he did play in at least 120 games 13 times in his career. I can't fault the guy for taking one day off per week even during his prime.
2007-07-30 12:36:14 · answer #7 · answered by JerH1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not to be rude... but what does it matter as he ended up one of the greatest hitters ever and now is in the Hall of Fame
yea i konw he wasnt in the best of shape :-P
2007-07-30 12:00:16 · answer #8 · answered by qwerty3454 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best hitter of this era. Hall of Famer.
2007-07-30 12:03:04 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Always one in every crowd to ask a question like this. Go figure.
2007-07-30 12:19:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋