TERRY MOSHER
Tony Gwynn dies at 54 from cancer and, boy, I am angry. Not at Tony, but at tobacco. Tobacco kills, and I don’t care what you say to the contrary. It’s addictive and a killer.
Before we go further, let’s be clear, Gwynn believed the cancer was a result of him using tobacco as a chew, as many Major League players once did (not many do anymore and in 2012 as part of the new basic agreement with players baseball put limits on the usage and visibility of it on the field and in front of fans. However, players can still use it as a dip).
But it’s stupid to use it as a chew or to smoke it because research shows what it does to you. My sister Minerva died of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as did Les Eathorne.
Minerva smoked for nearly 60 years, finally quitting when she developed lung cancer. Eathorne also smoked. And my sister-in-law, Peggy, another long time smoker, has COPD, is on oxygen, and can’t move from a chair she is so incapacitated.
Don’t smoke, don’t chew, it’s that simple. For Gwynn, it’s too late, but you can still break the addictive habit and survive. Just do it.
