Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn dies at 54

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In 1994, the Padre’s Tony Gwynn has the highest average since 1941 -- .394 -- but missed the opportunity to bat .400. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

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In 1996, the Padres’ Tony Gwynn smiles while waiting for batting practice before a game against the Dodgers. (Susan Sterner / Associated Press)

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In 2001, the Padres’ Tony Gwynn addresses the crowd during a ceremony honoring him before a game against the Cardinals. (Tom Gannam / Associated Press)

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In 2001, the Padres’ Tony Gwynn fights back tears as he acknowledges the standing ovation before the last game of his career, played against the Rockies. (Lenny Ignelzi / Associated Press)

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In 2003, San Diego State baseball coach Tony Gwynn addresses the team before practice. (Lenny Ignelzi / Associated Press)

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In 2006, San Diego State’s baseball coach Tony Gwynn talks about the upcoming season. (Chris Park / Associated Press)

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In 2007, Tony Gwynn, left, and Cal Ripken Jr., hold their Hall of Fame plaques after their induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. (Mike Groll / Associated Press)

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In 2009, San Diego State baseball coach watches a game against UC Davis. (Donald Miralle / Getty Images)

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In 2011, Tony Gwynn throws out a first pitch to his son Tony Gwynn Jr., No. 10, of the Dodgers before the Father’s Day game with the Astros. (Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)

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Two mourners console each other at the Tony Gwynn statue outside Petco Park in San Diego on Monday. (Lenny Ignelzi / Associated Press)

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Fans place flowers at the base of a statue of San Diego Padres player Tony Gwynn at Petco Park. (Bill Wechter / Getty Images)

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San Diego Padres fans watch a tribute to Tony Gwynn on a screen at Petco Park. (Bill Wechter / Getty Images)

By From staff and wire reports

June 16, 2014 9:02 AM PT

Former San Diego Padres star Tony Gwynn has died, the Baseball Hall of Fame announced Monday. He was 54.

Gwynn, who was the head baseball coach at San Diego State University at the time of his death, had been battling salivary gland cancer, which he long held was caused by his use of chewing tobacco during his playing days.

He was a career .338 hitter while playing all 20 of his major league seasons for the Padres.

Gwynn set a National League record with his eight batting titles. He finished his career in 2001 with 3,141 hits. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

After having a malignant tumor removed from his right cheek in 2009, Gwynn saw the cancer return twice.

“The whole experience was traumatic because I thought I had it beat, and dang, it came back,” Gwynn said during a visit to the Hall of Fame later that year for the induction ceremony.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn dies at 54

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