Yonder Alonso Shared an Incredible Tony Gwynn Story on MLB Network

Stephen Douglas | May 10, 2024

MLB Network celebrated Tony Gwynn on Thursday since it would have been his birthday. On MLB Tonight, Greg Amsinger, Harold Reynolds and Yonder Alonso talked to his brother, Chris Gwynn over the phone and they showed Gwynn's 3,000th hit like a live look-in while they discussed the historic career of one of the greatest hitters to ever play the game.

Alonso also took the opportunity to share an incredible story about how Gwynn helped him get out of a slump early in his career. Gwynn played 20 seasons for the San Diego Padres before retiring and was working as a color analysts on the team's home broadcasts when Alonso was traded to San Diego ahead of the 2012 season.

It was Alonso's first full season in the big leagues and he was off to a horrible start when Gwynn asked him to come in early one day. His advice? Go hitless today, but do it the right way. Check it out.

"I want you to go 0-for-4 tomorrow, but you're going to do it the right way."

The late, great Tony Gwynn gave @YonderalonsoU an invaluable piece of hitting advice in a fashion that only Mr. Padre could... pic.twitter.com/DQg6LBHpqx

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) May 10, 2024

Alonso has been with MLB Network since 2021. The fact that he saved this story for three full years before sharing it on-air is insane. This is an incredible story about a legend of the game. It's also an incredible tribute to Gwynn, both as a player and a person.

This story is also a perfect example of why networks hire former players. This is the stuff that fans want to hear and never would if you didn't put ex-players on these shows. It's also so much better than a take. It's funny and interesting and good storytelling and that makes it great television. More of this from every network, please!