Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn dies of cancer at 54
By BERNIE WILSON, Associated Press
Jun 16, 2014 10:51 AM CDT
FILE - In this Oct. 7, 2001 file photo, San Diego Padres' 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, in San Diego. The Baseball Hall of Fame said Gwynn died of cancer on Monday, June 16,...   (Associated Press)

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn has died of cancer at 54.

Gwynn's sweet left-handed swing made him one of San Diego's best-loved athletes. He was nicknamed "Mr. Padre" during his 20-year major league career.

He had been on a medical leave from his job as baseball coach at San Diego State, his alma mater, since late March. Agent John Boggs said Gwynn died Monday in suburban Poway.

Gwynn had two operations for cancer in his right cheek between August 2010 and February 2012. The second surgery was complicated, with surgeons removing a facial nerve because it was intertwined with a tumor inside his right cheek. They grafted a nerve from Gwynn's neck to help him eventually regain facial movement.

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