Guide Note

Adrian Gonzalez is a first baseman that currently plays for the San Diego Padres. He is considered one of the young building blocks for the future of the Padre franchise. He is also a consistent hitter for average and power, hitting .304 with 24 homers in 2006 and .282 with 30 homers in 2007.

Fast Facts

1. Born: May 8, 1982
2. Birthplace: San Diego, California
3. Height: 6'2"
4. Weight: 220 lbs
5. Bats: Left
6. Throws: Left
7. Made MLB debut with the Texas Rangers
8. 2000: First infield player drafted in the first round since Alex Rodriguez
9. 2006: Played in the World Baseball Classic

Adrian Gonzalez was born in San Diego, California on May 8, 1982. He would attend high school at Eastlake High School where he would develop into a major league caliber player. In 2000, he was the first overall pick in the Major League Baseball Draft by the Florida Marlins. He would spend several years in the Marlins minor league system before being traded to the Texas Rangers in a package for relief pitcher Ugueth Urbina.

Gonzalez would make his major league debut on April 18, 2004 with the Texas Rangers. In his two seasons with the Rangers, he would struggle to find playing time behind All-Star first baseman Mark Teixeira. In 2006, he would be traded to his hometown San Diego Padres with Chris Young, and Termel Sledge for Adam Eaton and Akinori Otsuka. With the Padres he would win the starting role with the team becoming the everyday first baseman. He would establish himself as a legitimate power hitter recording 24 homeruns in 2006, and 30 homeruns in 2007.

• May 8, 1982: Born
• 2000: Drafted and signed by the Florida Marlins
• 2001: Midwest Class A Minor League MVP and All-Star
• 2003: Traded to the Texas Rangers
• 2004: Made MLB Debut
• 2006: Traded to the San Diego Padres
• 2006: Played in the World Baseball Classic representing Mexico
• 2007: Signs 4 year deal with the Padres