Tony Gwynn on medical leave as SDSU coach to recover from cancer treatments

Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn, who finished his 20-year career 18th on the all-time hits list (3,141) and 15th in career batting average (.338), reportedly went on medical leave from his coaching job at San Diego State University on March 24 so he can recover from the effects of cancer treatment. 

Gwynn, who coached the team for 12 seasons, was treated for mouth cancer in 2010, and had a tumor removed from his cheek in 2012. Neither he nor the school publicly divulged the reasons for his absence until FOX 5 San Diego reported the news on Monday:

The sports information director for the baseball team said Gwynn had been getting treatments for cancer on Mondays and decided to take time off.

Since the 53-year-old left the team, there hasn’t been any word on when, or if, he will return to the Aztecs, the sports information director said.

The San Diego Union-Tribune contacted Gwynn by phone Tuesday morning.

“I have no comment," he told them, "other than to say I’m doing good. That’s all I can say.

“But nobody believes me because there hasn’t been any information out there. But, trust me, I’m doing good.”

On his chances of returning to the team this season, Gwynn said, "I don't know. I know I'll be back to talk to the team. I just don't know if I'll be back coaching. I don't know."  

SDSU's Athletic Director Jim Sterk said in a release: "We miss Tony and hope for his speedy return to the Aztec program, but the highest priority right now is his health. Suffice it to say we look forward to having Coach Gwynn back at his alma mater, San Diego State." 

[H/T Yahoo Sports]