Tony Gwynn: The Impossible Stats of ‘Mr. Padre’ – A Dual-Sport Legend and Baseball’s Ultimate Hitter

Nov 8, 2024 | The Realest

Tony Gwynn: The Impossible Stats of ‘Mr. Padre’ – A Dual-Sport Legend and Baseball’s Ultimate Hitter

These stats are so incredible, they almost seem impossible! Here’s why Tony Gwynn, aka “Mr. Padre,” was unbelievable. For starters, he was drafted in both MLB and NBA on the same day!

In fact, Gwynn was drafted within the same hour by both leagues on June 9, 1981. He was chosen by both the San Diego Padres and the San Diego Clippers, showcasing his remarkable athleticism, which is often overlooked!

At San Diego State University, Gwynn excelled in both baseball and basketball. He set school records in basketball for assists (his 590 assists still stand as the all-time school record) and was a two-time All-American in baseball. A true dual-sport legend! But let’s get back to what he was most known for:

Over his 20-year MLB career—all with the Padres—Gwynn achieved a lifetime batting average of .338, the highest of any player whose career began after World War II. Gwynn won eight batting titles, tying him with Honus Wagner for the most in National League history. He was a 15-time All-Star and a 5-time Gold Glove winner, an accomplishment he was especially proud of, considering he was initially seen as a defensive liability.

Gwynn faced 18 Hall of Fame pitchers during his career, batting an astonishing .331 against them. For context, the 2024 MLB batting average across all pitchers was .242. Against Greg Maddux and Pedro Martínez—two of the greatest pitchers ever—Gwynn hit .415 and .444, respectively. Truly mind-blowing!

“Sometimes hitters can pick up differences in spin. They can identify pitches if there are different release points or if a curveball starts with an upward hump as it leaves the pitcher’s hand. But if a pitcher can change speeds, every hitter is helpless, limited by human vision. Except for that (expletive) Tony Gwynn.” — Greg Maddux

Maddux faced Gwynn 107 times in their overlapping Hall of Fame careers and didn’t strike Gwynn out a single time—not once. In his entire career, Gwynn struck out only 434 times over 10,232 plate appearances. Some players today strike out 200 times in a single season.

Here’s a crazy stat: Tony Gwynn could have gone 0-for-1,182 with 1,182 strikeouts and still maintained a career batting average above .300! That’s how exceptional a hitter he was. Even after those hypothetical strikeouts, his strikeout rate would remain lower than Hall of Famer Derek Jeter’s career rate (among many others).

In 1994, Gwynn was on the verge of hitting .400 before the season was cut short by a strike. He finished at .394—the closest anyone has come since Ted Williams. From August 1993 to May 1995, he batted .406 over 162 games.

Gwynn had five seasons with fewer than 20 strikeouts, including 1995, when he struck out only 15 times in 535 plate appearances! Pure mastery of the strike zone.

He recorded 45 games with four or more hits and only one game in which he struck out three times—just once in 20 seasons!

Gwynn was a pioneer in video analysis, obsessively studying his at-bats to perfect his swing—long before it became a norm in MLB. His wife, Alicia, was instrumental in helping him review the film and even helped pull him out of a rare slump.

Tony Gwynn holds the Padres’ all-time records for batting average, runs, hits, total bases, doubles, triples, RBIs, walks, stolen bases, and games played. If his 20-year career were split into two 10-year periods, he would still occupy the top two spots in franchise history for runs, hits, total bases, and doubles.

Fans continue to celebrate “Tony Gwynn Opening Day,” the second game of the season, which he said was when the true fans showed up to the ballpark.

After retiring, he returned to San Diego State as the head baseball coach, giving back to his community and mentoring young athletes, including the great Stephen Strasburg.

Gwynn was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007 with 97.6% of the vote, one of the highest totals ever. (It’s hard to understand why some Hall of Fame voters were hesitant to give him a unanimous vote—at least until Mariano Rivera broke that tradition).

Despite his success, Gwynn remained humble. He once said, “The Hall of Fame is about the people who helped get you there.”

While these stats highlight Tony Gwynn’s athletic prowess, he was more than just a great player—he was a great human being. His legacy transcends baseball. His constant smile, contagious energy, and love for the game live on forever.

If you love baseball, you have to appreciate Tony Gwynn. Share your favorite fact to remind people of one of the game’s all-time greats! And if you want to see some incredible memorabilia from his archives, check out TheRealest.com and our Tony Gwynn Memorabilia Auction ending this weekend.

Fauxtography Foul Play: The Michael Jordan Jersey Scam Exposed

Sep 2, 2023 | The Realest

An intricate scheme involving the creation of a fictitious foundation under the name of a deceased photographer has cast doubt on the authenticity of a game-used Michael Jordan jersey according to senior sports business reporter Darren Rovell.

In this article published on August 31st, The Action Network has uncovered this elaborate deception, revealing a fraudulent attempt to inflate the value of the collectible through false authentication.

The Tony Ranze Foundation played a pivotal role in providing research materials used to authenticate the jersey. If legitimate, this authentication could have significantly boosted the jersey’s value, which was initially sold for nearly $27,000, potentially soaring to over a million dollars. However, it has come to light that the Tony Ranze Foundation is non-existent and was established by an individual unconnected to the Ranze family.

Following the sale of the Jordan jersey, which had been listed by Grey Flannel Auctions as game-used but lacked a photomatch to any specific game, an individual representing the new owner sought authentication from MeiGray, a leading authority on photomatching in the collectibles industry. Photomatching involves confirming the authenticity of a collectible by matching imperfections with archival videos or photos.

The representative claimed to possess never-before-seen photos from the Tony Ranze Foundation that purportedly proved the jersey’s connection to Games 3 and 4 of the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals. These photos were allegedly acquired directly from the Foundation. Relying solely on these provided photos, MeiGray authenticated the jersey, dating it to the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals—a potentially game-changing revelation as no Jordan playoff jersey from that season had previously entered the market, making this $27,000 collectible potentially worth exponentially more.

However, in light of the Action Network’s investigative findings, MeiGray has retracted its certificate of authenticity due to concerns about the photographs provided. They have initiated further research into these images and informed the buyer of the change.

The emergence of a fake foundation and the use of purportedly doctored photos have cast a shadow of doubt over the authenticity of a valuable Michael Jordan jersey, leaving collectors and the sports memorabilia community in a state of uncertainty regarding the true history of this collectible.

Benefits of Collecting

Jun 16, 2023 | The Realest

music memorabilia & the Benefits of Collecting

Music memorabilia has captivated fans for decades with its profound cultural and historical significance. Surprisingly, this asset class often remains overlooked by investors, despite recent events that have showcased the tremendous potential within the collectibles industry.

In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of diving into the world of music memorabilia, whether you’re an enthusiastic novice or a seasoned investor. From its potential as an alternative investment and store of value, to its pivotal role in safeguarding an artist’s legacy, let’s uncover some of the treasures in this compelling realm.

MUSIC MEMORABILIA AS AN INVESTMENT

In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the interest surrounding music memorabilia.

This rise in popularity can be attributed, in part, to the consistent appreciation of value that music memorabilia has demonstrated over time. While traditional investments like stocks and real estate undoubtedly have their merits, collectibles, particularly in the realm of music, establish a profound connection to something deeply personal and meaningful for their owner. Not only do these treasures hold sentimental value, but they also have the potential to appreciate financially as time goes by. As a unique and finite asset, investing in music memorabilia can provide a hedge against inflation. As time progresses, the rarity of these coveted items only increases, making them increasingly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Elvis’ 1942 Martin D-18 guitar — which he owned from 1954 to 1956 was sold for $1.32 million in 2016. The guitar was played by Presley during his early career, and it is considered to be one of the most iconic instruments in rock and roll history.

Bob Dylan’s original lyrics for “Like a Rolling Stone” were sold for $2.045 million in 2014 . The lyrics were written in pencil on four sheets of notebook paper, and they are considered to be one of the most important pieces of music manuscript in history.

MUSIC MEMORABILIA AS PARTICIPATION IN AN ARTIST’S LEGACY

One of the most remarkable aspects of collecting music memorabilia is the opportunity it provides to actively partake in an artist’s enduring legacy. By owning a piece of an artist’s history, you become part of their story and contribute to preserving their influence for generations to come.

Imagine showcasing an autographed poster from a legendary concert or owning a wardrobe item worn during an iconic performance. These artifacts not only evoke memories but also allow you to share in the magic that made an artist’s music resonate with millions.

Michael Jackson’s iconic crystal glove, represents Jackson’s indelible mark on music and pop culture.

Owning a signed item from The Beatles is owning a piece of rock and roll history and can be a very powerful and emotional experience.

As these artists continue to create music and solidify their legacies, the demand for items associated with them can soar, subsequently driving up their value in the secondary market.

If you’re a fan of a musician who has been steadily building a following over the years and is now starting to gain mainstream recognition. You might consider investing in items related to that musician now, while they’re still relatively under the radar, with the hope that their success will continue to grow ultimately leading to an increase in the value of those items over time.

Of course, there’s always an inherent degree of risk involved in any investment, and the music industry is no exception. There’s no guarantee that an artist will continue to be successful, and even if they do, there’s no certainty that the items you collect will increase in value. Building a diverse collection that includes items from a variety of artists and genres can help mitigate the risk of any one item or artist falling short of expectations.

Fortunately, the market for music memorabilia is experiencing rapid growth, presenting numerous promising opportunities.

So, if you’re a music enthusiast seeking a means to invest your funds or simply looking to express your love for your favorite artists, delving into the world of music memorabilia is a great option.

With so many benefits to offer, there is no reason not to kick start your collection today.

WHY NOW IS THE TIME TO START YOUR COLLECTION

It is never too late to begin your journey. Remember, today’s legends were once emerging artists too. While some collectors may focus on rare or vintage items, there’s a particularly rewarding aspect to consider: investing in memorabilia from musicians who are still alive and steadily paving their way towards legendary status.

Authentication vs Grading

Jun 6, 2023 | The Realest

Whether you’re a fan who’s exploring the realm of collectibles, or a seasoned collector, it is important to understand that when it comes to memorabilia, two crucial aspects are usually considered: Authentication and Grading. Understanding why both are important and how they are different is a fundamental skill.

AUTHENTICATION

Authentication is the process of verifying the authenticity or genuineness of an item. In the music collectibles market, where counterfeit items are known to circulate and proliferate, it is vital to authenticate every piece you consider adding to your collection. It involves examining various aspects of the item, such as its physical characteristics, materials used, signatures, markings, and any accompanying documentation or provenance. The goal of authentication is to determine whether the item is indeed what it claims to be. Experts or third-party authentication services are typically involved in this process, utilizing their knowledge, and access to reference materials and databases to make an informed judgment or in most cases, a guess. In response to the numerous cases of fraudulent behavior, new authentication standards have been introduced that combine various layers of technology and human observation to create authentication processes that are nearly impossible to replicate.

GRADING

Grading focuses on assessing the condition or quality of an item. Grading is often associated with collectibles like trading cards, coins, stamps, or comic books, where there are often a high number of the same item produced and therefore the item’s physical state significantly impacts its value and desirability. Graders evaluate various factors such as the item’s overall condition, potential damage, wear and tear, completeness, and any flaws or imperfections to assign them a grade (based on a standardized scale) that reflects their condition. Grading allows collectors to understand the condition of their memorabilia and aids in determining its value and desirability. While traditional authentication validates the provenance of an item to a certain level, grading provides an objective assessment of an item’s physical state regardless of its history. Both processes can provide valuable information to collectors and potential buyers, helping them make informed decisions about the value and legitimacy of what they own or what they are looking to purchase.

It’s worth noting that different types of memorabilia may have specific authentication and grading procedures associated with them, and as a collector you should avoid basing your authentication solely on opinions or estimates, which can be subjective and lack the necessary expertise. By establishing the item’s provenance and verifying its connection to a specific artist or event, legitimate authentication offers peace of mind that you own a genuine piece of [music] history that will maintain value.

The Realest is the first dedicated marketplace and authentication standard for music memorabilia. Sourcing items directly from artists and powered by cutting edge authentication technology and blockchain-based provenance, The Realest is making it easier and safer for fans and collectors to own a real piece of music history. Find out more on TheRealest.com