Déjà vu? One on One comes Full Circle with the Gwynns!

As soon as I heard Anthony Gwynn Jr. had been traded to San Diego, I sent him a congratulatory text. He replied “thanks Jane.” Just so typical of him, to be responsive and appreciative.

The next day, I went down to batting practice a little early and there he was with number 18 on his jersey and a smile on his face. He gave me a big hug as I congratulated him again, and within a minute, I said, “I think I feel a One on One coming, and this time on you!” He said, okay, let’s do it. As the season progressed and I featured other players I had already planned on, I looked forward to coordinating with Anthony. Yes, I will probably always call him Anthony, because that’s what his father calls him, and that’s how I met him 12 years ago in 1997 at their home, the day I met Tony Gwynn for the first time.

I was already imagining all the pictures, video and interviews we had from over the years that would help tell his story. I was already anticipating how hard it would be, considering his Hall of Fame father is such a part of Anthony’s journey. I was right.

In July, we quickly coordinated a date for the sit-down interview with his wife Alyse. I went upstairs to the booth and told Tony that Anthony had graciously and enthusiastically accepted the invitation to do a One on One, so now I need to interview you and Alicia. Tony said, “We have to do another one of these?” I said, this is about your son, so, yes, you do! We laughed and eventually set a time to meet at their home.

As expected, I learned a lot about Anthony as he shared not only about the good, but also the challenging moments in his life and career so far – including how he could have jeopardized things had he not taken his parents’ advice regarding school. His wife Alyse and their daughters are beautiful and you can see they love being a little family.

When we later went to his parents’ home, his mother Alicia had a table full of photo albums for us to use. They are so very proud of their son and I really feel honored to bring his story to San Diego. Padres fans watched Anthony grow up, and he appreciates how they have embraced him now, too.

It was hard to boil it down to a half hour. I think I might have to put some of the longer parts of the interview and really great stories in to another show. What do you think?

Enjoy.