Another Junior in Philadelphia

Tony Gwynn Junior has been a pleasant surprise for the Phillies during Grapefruit League play and is now a strong contender for a bench role on the club. The son and namesake of the Padres Hall of Famer was a 2nd round draft pick by the Brewers in 2003. His first major league hit came on July 19th, 2006 -- exactly 24 years to the day after his father's first big league hit -- both were doubles.

But he's never approached stardom, let alone his father's place among the all time greats, in a career that also includes time with the Padres and Dodgers. It's tough being the son of someone famous -- ask his teammate John Mayberry Junior or his general manager Ruben Amaro Junior. Thinking about it, how often is the namesake child as successful as the parent? Look at how Pete Rose Junior struggled. Or in music, Frank Sinatra Junior. Carrying a famous name only increases the challenge.

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