I haven't had that many heros over the years. When I was a kid, I loved watching Fran Tarkenton quarterback the Vikings. And Kareem with his sky hook (I had a decent sky hook of my own, even to this day). But probably number one in my book was Tony Gwynn. A great work ethic, amazing numbers, always hustled and improved. Stories of him getting to the park early every day to take extra batting practice and watch videotape of the pitchers. No wonder he had 19 straight seasons hitting over .300 and in 1995 had an amazing 35.1 at bats per strikeout (you realize how hard that is?!?). Today he was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame . I don't really watch baseball anymore...it isn't the game it used to be (they lost me after one of the many player's strikes). Gwynn and Ripken were throwbacks to an era of great character. Guys who showed up and played every day. Guys who spent their entire career with the same team despite offers of more money. Guys who defined class. Thanks for the memories and examples.
