Success in the majors hasn’t spoiled Tampa native Luis Gonzalez.
By JOEY JOHNSTON
Tribune Staff Writer
(c) Tampa Bay Times. Originally published May 15, 2001.
In his mind’s eye, Luis Gonzalez still sees himself as the pencil-thin 105-pound second baseman at Tampa’s Jefferson High School. The kid who grew up on Fig Street in West Tampa. The spring training regular at Al Lopez Field, where he watched his idol, Pete Rose, and the Big Red Machine.
It seems like yesterday.
Yet so much has changed.
Except for his humble attitude.
Gonzalez, who might be the nicest guy wearing a big-league uniform, has grown into a solidly built 200-pound left fielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks. And who says nice guys finish last? Gonzalez leads the major leagues in home runs (17) and total bases (107).
He hit 13 homers alone in April, setting a National League record and tying the overall mark of former Seattle Mariner Ken Griffey Jr.
He’s probably the most popular athlete in Arizona, where his nickname (Gonzo) has become a statewide mantra.
“You think of Mike Schmidt or Hank Aaron or Mark McGwire having home run records,” Gonzalez said by telephone from Phoenix. “You don’t think of Luis Gonzalez. I mean, me? What can I say? I’m as surprised as the next guy. It has been wild.”
LAST MONTH, his power numbers already had reached double digits when he and wife Christine were lunching at a Mexican restaurant. On top of his tortilla, he noticed this message from the kitchen: “Hit No. 12!” Of course, Gonzalez complied that night – off Atlanta’s Greg Maddux, no less.
The next day, he was relaxing, catching some early afternoon ESPN. The anchor reminded viewers, “We’ll be cutting in live tonight for each of Luis Gonzalez’s at-bats as he chases the record.” Gonzalez’s eyes got big.
Last week, he glanced at the Arizona Republic’s sports page. There was a story about elite power hitters during their best seasons. Gonzalez’s photo was next to mugs of Mark McGwire and Mickey Mantle. For good reason. Gonzalez was ahead of their prodigious homer pace.
His reaction: “No way!”
So what’s going on here? As recently as 1997, Gonzalez hit just 10 homers in 550 at-bats for the Houston Astros.
An enhanced strength and conditioning program? Perhaps batting third in a beefed-up Diamondback lineup? The desert air? Is the ball wound a lot tighter?
“I guess I’ve been in a serious groove and I’ve been able to elevate most of my solid hits,” Gonzalez said. “I certainly haven’t been trying for homers. I’m a doubles hitter. Can this pace continue? Talk to me in July. It would be amazing if it could continue.
“I’m just kind of loving life right now. You don’t have to remind me how lucky I am.”
Actually, Gonzalez is reminded every morning. He and Christine have triplets – Megan, Jacob and Alyssa – who will turn 3 on June 26. He loves being a dad. He jokes that their home is decorated in “Toys R Us” motif, complete with arcade games, dolls and decorations.
When Gonzalez arrives with a new toy, Christine usually rolls her eyes. “Is this one for you or them?” she’ll say. He’s a fearsome power hitter by night, a 33-year kid by day.
“I try to leave my job at the ballpark,” Gonzalez said. “It can be a different sort of life, with all the traveling, people recognizing you and things. I just want it to be normal.
“My kids have no idea whether I’ve gone 0-for-4 or 4-for-4. They kind of know people clap for me and I’m performing at the ballpark. But honestly, their favorite is the mascot, Baxter the Bobcat, not me. When I go home, I don’t want to be treated differently. I don’t want to be left alone. I want to be a husband and a dad.”
Around the ballpark, Gonzalez has an ultra-approachable reputation. He’s loved and respected – by the owners, the teammates, the media, the clubhouse workers.
He thinks his occupation, which includes a three-year, $12.5-million contract, is the ultimate fantasy land. Why not treat people nicely? Why not cooperate? Why not sign some autographs? Isn’t it a game?
“It comes from my family and my upbringing,” Gonzalez said. “I just want to appreciate everything I have. And to treat people as I’d like to be treated.
“There are a lot of good people in this game. But it can use all the good people it can get.”
Gonzalez cringes when thinking about the 2002 season (or non-season). He fears the worst, thinking the game can’t withstand another work stoppage/strike. He knows fantasy land won’t last forever, but a self-induced slow death would be the worst of all.
“Obviously, I care about the future, but I’m keeping it in the back of my mind,” he said. “Things have worked out perfectly for me in Arizona and you’d like to see it continue.”
TALK ABOUT a second-guesser’s delight. The Detroit Tigers traded Gonzalez to Arizona for Karim Garcia on Dec. 28, 1998. In ’99, Gonzalez was second in NL batting (.336), had a 30-game hitting streak and led the league in hits (206). Last season, he hit .311 while playing in all 162 games.
Now the power streak.
Just imagine: Gonzalez once dreamed of suiting up for the Devil Rays, especially when fellow hometowners Wade Boggs and Fred McGriff signed with Tampa Bay. He would have loved to finish here. The Rays said they weren’t interested.
For good measure, Gonzalez hit the first homer in Tropicana Field history, while playing with the Tigers.
“I won’t deny it; that was sweet,” Gonzalez said. “In my heart, I would’ve liked a homecoming, so to speak. But I don’t wish anything bad for the Devil Rays. I’d like to see them get it going. I’ve heard all the rumors, but I have no idea what’s going on down there now.
“I thought I could be a reliable hometown player for them, but it wasn’t to be. Ever since then, my career has taken off. Arizona has been perfect. So I can’t complain.”
Complain? How could he?
He’s still the little guy from West Tampa who grew up loving this game. Now the game is loving him back.
