Tony Gwynn To Be Inducted In California's Hall Of Fame

By City News Service

Published October 4, 2016 at 4:43 AM PDT

This story was published more than 8 years ago.

Tony Gwynn fights back tears as he acknowledges the standing ovation prior to the Padres' game against the Colorado Rockies, the final game of his career, Oct. 7, 2001.

Padres icon Tony Gwynn on Monday was selected as a member of the 10th class of the state's Hall of Fame.

Gwynn grew up in Long Beach, played and coached baseball at San Diego State University and spent his 20 years in Major League Baseball with the Padres. He retired in 2001 as the most popular player in team — and perhaps city — history.

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Others who will be inducted at a Nov. 30 ceremony in Sacramento include actors Harrison Ford and George Takei, author and human rights advocate Isabelle Allende, ex-first lady and media personality Maria Shriver, former Secretary of Defense William Perry, Tower Records founder Russ Solomon and artist Corita Kent.

"These individuals exemplify the unique and boundless creativity of California," Gov. Jerry Brown said. "Their work has enriched the lives of others and remains an inspiration to all Californians."

Honorees, and family members of posthumous inductees, will receive the Spirit of California award at next month's ceremony. An exhibition of artifacts highlighting their lives and achievements will open Dec. 1 at the California Museum.

Previous inductees with San Diego connections include astronauts Ellen Ochoa and Sally Ride, philanthropist Joan Kroc, Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel and Jonas Salk, who developed the first effective polio vaccine.