Aztecs to Honor Tony Gwynn

San Diego State University will honor the memory of Tony Gwynn during the SDSU baseball season-opening weekend as it hosts Valparaiso University for the three-game series Feb. 13 through 15.

Among the events planned are the retirement of Gwynn’s No. 19 SDSU jersey, an Aztecs vs. Cancer event and a tribute to SDSU’s Golden Spikes Award winners Stephen Strasburg and Travis Lee.

Tribute week 

The week begins with the Aztec coaches luncheon on Monday, Feb. 9, at the Courtyard Marriott Central. The luncheon will feature Aztec baseball head coach Mark Martinez along with a selected player presenting a preview of the weekend’s activities as well as a look at the upcoming season.

The cost of the luncheon is $20 with check-in starting at 11 a.m. and the luncheon at 11:30 a.m. For more information and to make reservations contact Sydney Bates at 619-594-0960 or via e-mail.

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the baseball team will receive their 2014 Mountain West Championship rings during halftime of the men’s basketball game against Wyoming which starts at 8 p.m. Prior to the contest, Gwynn’s daughter, Anisha, will sing the national anthem after family members help lead the traditional “I Believe” chant. Members of Gwynn’s family will be on hand to accept his ring during the halftime ceremony.

The Aztecs will also give out commemorative T-shirts featuring Gwynn’s basketball number 24 to the first 2,500 students in attendance at the basketball game.

On Friday, Feb. 13, the Aztecs will host a VIP reception from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Tony Gwynn Stadium prior to the season opener vs. Valparaiso. The reception is open to SDSU baseball letterwinners who played under Gwynn, as well as his former teammates and invited dignitaries.

The pre-game ceremony to retire Gwynn’s jersey will begin prior to that evening’s game with Ted Leitner serving as emcee. SDSU Director of Athletics Jim Sterk will speak along with a member of the Gwynn family. Commemorative Tony Gwynn pins will be distributed to the first 1,500 fans attending the game.

Strasburg returns

Also in attendance will be former Aztec and current Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg as new artwork on the wall behind right field showing Gwynn along with SDSU Golden Spikes winners Strasburg and Travis Lee are christened. Strasburg will also be at Saturday’s contest recognizing him and Lee as two of the Aztecs’ all-time best.

On Saturday, Feb. 14, the baseball team will sponsor an Aztecs vs. Cancer event in Gwynn’s honor. Prior to the game several players will have their heads shaved in support of Gwynn’s fight against cancer as well as someone in their lives who has been struck by the disease.

SDSU will also pay tribute to Strasburg and Lee by handing out Golden Spikes T-shirts to the first 500 fans in attendance for the 1 p.m. contest.

Opening weekend will conclude on Sunday, Feb. 15, with the third game vs. Valparaiso beginning at noon. During that contest the Aztecs will be hosting West Covina Little League, an organization that held a special place for Gwynn. The players and coaches will hold a clinic for the little leaguers after the game.

The SDSU baseball team, along with several other teams in the Mountain West, will be wearing commemorative Tony Gwynn “TG” patches on their uniforms throughout the 2015 season.

Tickets for SDSU's opening weekend baseball games can be purchased in advance online or at the Aztec Ticket Office at Qualcomm Stadium Gate E or by calling 619-283-7378.