April 6, 2011
Hangin' out with ... Adrian Gonzalez
by Ian Browne/
Adrian Gonzalez will always remember his first Gold Glove Award.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in the April 2011 issue of New England Baseball Journal.
Hangin' out with new Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.
How did you get started playing baseball?
“It was in the family. My dad played. My two older brothers played. When I was born, it was all over the family. Since I could walk, I picked up a ball and threw it around.”
What’s the key for a young player hoping to play at the next level?
“I would say, practice with the team and then do stuff on your own, too. You have to do more than everybody else. If you have that mentality that you’re doing more than everybody else, then you’ll get better and it will pay off. Do well in school because you have to get good grades to keep playing. Never let anything get in your way.”
What is the biggest highlight of your career so far?
“From a team standpoint, making it to the playoffs in ’06 was fun. Individually, I’d have to say winning a Gold Glove. It was a lot of fun the first time I heard I won the Gold Glove.”
How did you wind up with No. 28?
“From biblical numerology, it means God’s divine courage and strength.”
Who was your most influential coach or manager along the way?
“Coaching-wise, my family. My dad and my two older brothers were always huge. Once I got to professional baseball, Merv Rettenmund as a hitting coach.”
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
“My dad’s advice my whole life was always look for a good pitch to hit. Don’t chase pitches out of the zone. Look for a pitch up in the zone that you can drive. That’s always been a good thing to get back to.”
What is your best preparation tool?
“It’s everything. You can’t put an emphasis on one. You have to do them all so you can be ready.”
Are you superstitious or rigid with your routine?
“Just read the Bible every day.”
Who is your most memorable teammate?
“Trevor Hoffman.”
What’s the best part about playing in Fenway?
“The atmosphere. The fans.”
What is your favorite visiting field?
“I always loved going to Seattle. It’s a great town. Not necessarily the stadium, but it’s a great town.”
Favorites
Movie: “Tombstone”
Actor: Denzel Washington
TV show: “King of Queens” or “Modern Family”
Band or type of music: “I don’t really listen to that much music. If I had to pick a musician that you would know, probably Brad Paisley.”
Nice meal: Seafood
Dessert: “I’m not big on dessert, but if I had to have one, maybe flan.”
Vacation spot: “Europe. We went there once, and we loved it. We’ll go back. We went to four countries and seven cities last time.”
Sport growing up besides baseball: Soccer
Idol growing up: Tony Gwynn
Equipment
Glove: Rawlings
Batting gloves: Nike
Bat: Trinity
Spikes: Nike
