Adrian Gonzalez

Infobox MLB player

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caption = Gonzalez, playing for the Padres in 2008
width = 300
name = Adrian Gonzalez
position = First Baseman
team = San Diego Padres
number = 23
bats = Left
throws = Left
birthdate = birth date and age|1982|5|8
birthplace = city-state|San Diego|California
debutdate = April 18
debutyear = 2004
debutteam = Texas Rangers
statyear = 2008
stat1label = Batting average
stat1value = .282
stat2label = Home Runs
stat2value = 97
stat3label = Runs batted in
stat3value = 325
teams =
* Texas Rangers (by|2004–by|2005)
* San Diego Padres (by|2006–present)

Adrian Gonzalez (born May 8, 1982 in San Diego, California) is a Mexican-American Major League Baseball first baseman for the San Diego Padres. He was the first overall pick in the by|2000 draft by the Florida Marlins. The son of Mexican parents, Gonzalez lived twelve years of his youth in Mexico. He played for Mexico in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. He plays winter ball in the Mexican Pacific League for the Mazatlan Deers.

Playing career

Gonzalez was the first infield position player to be drafted first overall since Alex Rodriguez in by|1993. He was drafted out of Eastlake High School and given a $3 million signing bonus. After a wrist injury, the Marlins felt Gonzalez would be hindered swinging the bat, so he was subsequently traded to the Texas Rangers in a deal for Ugueth Urbina. He played for Texas in by|2004 and by|2005. After the season, Gonzalez was traded to the San Diego Padres along with pitcher Chris Young and outfielder Terrmel Sledge. In return, the Rangers received Adam Eaton and Akinori Otsuka. Originally seen as an eventual replacement for Ryan Klesko at first base, Gonzalez was given the job when Klesko underwent shoulder surgery.

With extended playing time at first base in by|2006, Gonzalez continued to improve his hitting, and showed flashes of gold glove caliber defense. In his first full season, he led the Padres in batting average (.300) and home runs (25). He was the first player in Petco Park history to have more than one multiple home run game.

In by|2007, Gonzalez led the Padres in home runs again (with 30) and had a team-high 100 RBI.

On May 25, by|2008, Gonzalez hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 18th inning to give the Padres a 12-9 win over the Cincinnati Reds.

He was elected to the 2008 MLB All-Star Game as a Reserve. He went 1 for 3 with a single and a sacrifice fly, scoring Miguel Tejada of the Houston Astros.

Personal life

His brother is fellow Padre Edgar Gonzalez.

External links

*
* [http://www.agonzalez23.com Official website]