Family of San Diego Padres Great, Tony Gwynn, Sues Tobacco Company After Mouth Cancer Battle

In the lawsuit, the family claims the company was responsible for his death because it created an addiction at such a young age—and then used him as a “billboard” to promote the product, a product they knew caused cancer.

COOPERSTOWN, NY - JULY 29: 2007 inductee Tony Gwynn gives his acceptance speech at Clark Sports Center during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony on July 29, 2007 in Cooperstown, New York. Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Tony Gwynn died at the age of 54 in 2014 after a 4-year battle with mouth cancer—specifically of the salivary gland on the right side of his face.

Head Coach and MLB Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn of the San Diego State Aztecs looks on from the dugout against the UC Davis Aggies during a game on April 3, 2009, at Petco Park in San Diego. Donald Miralle/Getty Images