Adrian Gonzalez

I, Adrian Gonzalez and my wife Betzabe Gonzalez would like to thank you for being with us as we try to give you the fan insight into the of a baseball player, husband, and follower of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I was born May 8th, 1982 at the UCSD hospital in San Diego. Born to a wonderful family, I was blessed with having great parents David and Alba, and two amazing older brothers David and Edgar. At age 20 I was given another blessing by the Lord when I married my beautiful wife Betsy. Thanks to God, my wife, parents, and brothers, I am the person and player I am today.

Growing up in both sides of the San Diego-Tijuana border my first baseball experience was in San Ysidro at age 5. From ages 5 to 10 I played all of my baseball in Tijuana at the Otay Mesa Little Leagues called Municipal. Then at age 10 playing baseball was on both sides of the border for me. Since baseball is played in the summer in San Diego and fall, winter, and spring in Tijuana, it was year round baseball for me. At times when I had games on both sides of the border in the same day, I would change my uniform in the car crossing the border. It wasn’t until High School that I stopped playing in Tijuana. I attended Eastlake High School in Chula Vista and that was were because of success in baseball I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to play professional. In June of 2000 I was drafted by the Florida Marlins. And Two weeks after graduation I was on my way to Melbourne, Florida to begin my baseball career.

To this date I have played with three baseball organizations, the Florida Marlins, Texas Rangers, and San Diego Padres. I have played on 12 teams along the way. I will give you the teams as I explain my baseball journey. In 2000 I played for the Melbourne Marlins (rookie level) and Utica Blue Sox (Short-Season single A). In 2001 I played for the Kane County Cougars (single A). 2002 Portland Sea Dogs (double A). After these three stable years the roller coaster began. In 2003 coming off wrist surgery I began the year in rehab. After a week in rehab my season started with Albuquerque Isotopes (triple A). After just over a month, I was demoted to the Carolina Mudcats (double A). One month later I was trade to the Texas Rangers and sent to the Frisco Rough Riders (double A) where I finished the season. After the season I was sent to the Arizona Fall League with the Peoria Saguaros. The AFL is a winter league were young prospects are sent to showcase themselves to see how close or far they are from reaching the major leagues. Counting Spring Training, rehab, and the season in 2003 my wife and I were forced to move a total of 8 times. That is an average of a move every 45 days. In 2004 I started the season with the Oklahoma Redhawks (triple A) and because of an injury to the first baseman in the big leagues, I got my first major league call-up in April 2004. After my 2-week stint in the major leagues with the Texas Rangers I was demoted back to Oklahoma where I spent the remainder of the season. At season’s end, I was given what they call a September call-up. That is where the major league roster expands from 25 to 40 and it gives the teams a chance to give 15 players a chance to show if they belong in the major leagues. The next season I was able to make the opening day roster for the first time in my career. After three weeks I was demoted back to Oklahoma. Throughout the 2005 season I was demoted twice and had three stints with the Rangers. After the season I decided I wanted to go play winter ball in Mexico for the Venados de Mazatlan. While in winter ball, I was traded from the Rangers to the San Diego Padres.

In the spring of 2006 I had a break and due to an injury I was able to start the season with the Padres as the starting first baseman. Even-though I had a rough time in May they kept me for the entire season. 2006 was my first full season with a major league team, and what better place than in San Diego. In 2007 again with the Padres I was there the entire season. Since my wife and I were married in 2003, we have had to pack our bags and move about 24 times. You can say it has been a roller coaster for us and my wife has been the greatest support I could have asked for.

In 2003 while in Albuquerque I gave my life to Christ for the first time. My wife already a believer gave her life to Christ at the same time as well. Since that day my thoughts, and actions have taken a complete turnaround. In-turn my life has been saved thanks to the promises of love and salvation I’m promised by God. I now have a purpose and goal to life and that is to be next to my father, Lord and Savior when my day of judgment comes. I want to be a disciple of Christ and follow his teachings as well as draw others to follow and dedicate their life to Jesus Christ. Everyday is a new challenge and opportunity to make a difference. Life, baseball and everything is God given and if not for him we wouldn’t be here. That is the reason I will have a weekly bible quotes, and links to the churches and organizations that have helped me with my walk with the Lord.

Finally, I want to thank a few people who have helped me along the way. First my wife Betsy, she is my backbone, support my love and I am in tact because of her. Second my parents, they have been wonderful from day one and without them and their time and love, I wouldn’t be where I am. My brothers who have also been there for me from day one and still today, I look up to them and admire them both. Some coaches who gave me baseball and life guidance are Dave Gonzalez, Dave Gallegos, Mike Lietieri, and Mitch Taylor. My agents in baseball John Boggs and Tony Cabral who have given me guidance in my baseball career and in life. And every Pastor, Priest, and baseball chapel rep who have taught me about Christ.