|
This is an article called my turn that Bill Center a Padres/Sports reporter from the Union Tribune wrote form my words. Kind of my journal through his writing. So here it is. It is about the all-star game and the upcoming second half. The article is in the read more. Here is the link. My Turn
My Turn with Adrian
By Adrian Gonzalez
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Any player's first All-Star Game is going to be one of the best experiences of his career.
But I think being at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday made it far more special.
The celebration for the Hall of Famers was amazing. I was in awe being on the field with those greats of the game. Each name gave you chills. Then they capped it with the Stealth Bomber flyover.
Pretty neat ... and we weren't even to the game yet. This definitely was not just another All-Star Game. We were honoring the traditions of the game, the legends of the game and baseball's most famed ballpark.
They did it right.
I enjoyed every moment of it, starting with just being around the other players.
As a first baseman, during the season you get to say at least hello to rival players at the bag. Now I'm in the clubhouse and at the batting cage with some of the best.
It was interesting to see what they are about and it was a great chance to exchange information. The game was more fun than I could have anticipated. To be part of it is indeed an honor. I don't think any player can fully grasp how great an experience it is until they are there.
There wasn't as much interaction with American League players. It seemed like the two leagues were totally on different time schedules. We'd do our interviews, then we'd leave and they've be in the interview room. Batting practice, of course, is at different times.
But I was able to at least say hello to most of the guys I knew on the American League team.
As for the game, I expected to get an at-bat and play an inning or two and get out of there. It turned out totally different. The reserves wound up playing more than the starters.
Getting that sacrifice fly in my first at-bat was pretty cool. My first thought ... we might have a chance to win. I felt pretty good about getting that run home. I went out and did what I was supposed to do.
I'm proud of everything about that game, including getting my first All-Star Game hit.
As a National League player, I can tell you we wanted to win that game. So did the American League. I can't think there could be many better All-Star Games, so many clutch plays defensively as well as offensively. It came down to inches. Again, how great.
That definitely was not just another All-Star Game.
Now it's back to business.
We're all disappointed with the way it has gone. And we're looking to a better finish.
Personally, I also have two charity events on the horizon.
On Aug. 27, the Betsy and Adrian Gonzalez Foundation is co-hosting with the Acqua Al 2 restaurant a benefit at the restaurant on Fifth Avenue. The event supports programs for children with autism.
And on Nov. 14 will be the second annual benefit golf tournament I co-host with Jim Stone for the South Bay YMCA. The event will be at Torrey Pines South.
Updates on both events will be posted on AGonzalez23.com. |
