Adrian Gonzalez

I play first base, but I really can't pick a ball in the dirt that is fired at me, how can I overcome my fear of that fast throw.  And, since I'm on a travel team, I face lots of fast pitchers, so I'm scared of getting beaned, even though in the eight years I've played, I've only been hit once.  Can you help with my problems?

The best advice I can give you to not be afraid of the ball is that eventhough it might hurt, the pain will go away in a few minutes. To be a successful baseball player you have to not be afraid of the ball. I have been beaned more than a hundred times in my life, I even got wrist surgery from one of them, but its like anything in life, that is one obstacle you have got overcome. It is in the power of your own mind. As for the balls in the dirt, I did a lesson in the kids section on balls in the dirt try it and let me know if this helps. 

I am trying to find a baseball camp for my son this summer and thought I had read somewhere that you and your brother were coaching...do you have plans to have any clinics or camps?  If so, where can I get more information?

We are actually in the process of more than baseball camps. We will have another camp in the winter, but we are also looking into doing a sports academy that will be for everybody. We will have batting cages, fitness training the way my brother Edgar, me and many major league baseball players train, along with specific training for other sports.  

I'm from Albuquerque, New Mexico (I now live in San Diego) and was able to see you 3 or 4 times as well as your brother when you were Isotopes did you enjoy the time you spent in Albuquerque?

I did enjoy the short time I spent in Albuquerque, but I especially enjoyed the times I played the Isotopes as a Redhawk.

I sent a message to you last week about the possibility of giving a short visit sometime during the week of July 23rd-27th to Laurel Bible Chapel where 40 young people have traveled from Minnesota to San Diego/Tijuana to minister to hispanic kids and orphans.  They are helping a orphanage in Tijuana and the other half are conducting a Vacation Bible School in Center City, San Diego at the Chapel.  Could you please respond one way or the other regarding your possible visit?

Eventhough I would love nothing better than be there for all kids to have hopefully a positive influence on them, my schedule is very full. I have many visits set up through the Padres, through my agent, and through family. The best thing is to try to contact the Padres and set something up through them. I know you will be at the game on thursday, try and contact Nhu Tran with the Padres and see if she can set something or a time for me to see and speak to the kids. Thanks

Till next time. God Bless to all.