For many of us, he was the bright spot in what can be a trying existence as a Padres fan.
And his personality and kindness will be remembered even more than the perfection with which he came up clutch and nailed the 5.5 hole so many times.
This might be the hardest year for Padres fans... forget the win-loss record and management issues and the uniform color --- this game is about history and people and tradition and legacy and class and in just six months we've lost two of the best who emulated those qualities day in and day out.
I've never heard a bad thing said about Tony. If even just a small fraction of people who were inspired by Tony have become better ballplayers and better people because of his example, the world is an immensely better place because of it. An incredible gift and legacy for the sport and for our community. Thank you, Mr. Padre.
I have a lot of feelings about this and might want to write more later. Also, there's nothing I can say that someone hasn't already said more eloquently than I could. In the meantime, while I'm not a professional with the video-making by any means, putting this together was seriously cathartic. I have to admit I gave myself goosebumps. Obviously I don't own the pictures and am grateful to the many talented photographers, artists and journalists, professional and amateur, who made these available. And I'm grateful as always to The Beatles for timeless music that transcends decades and generations to say what my heart is feeling. If this brings a smile or small comfort to any fellow fans out there, I'll consider it "paying it forward" for all the times Tony made me smile.
Spread love and laughter,
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