Luis Gonzalez
Slugger Luis Gonzalez will forever be remembered by Diamondbacks fans - not for his home runs - but for a blooper that fell just beyond the infield and won Game Seven of the 2001 World Series. Facing the seemingly invincible Yankee closer Mariano Rivera, Gonzalez lofted a little liner over the drawn-in infield to score the Series-winning run and set loose pandemonium in Arizona. In addition to that famous hit, "Gonzo" has been a batting star for the D-Backs since he came to the team in 1999. The five-time All-Star had a career-year in Arizona's championship season of 2001, belting 57 homers and driving in 142 runs. Through 2006, he was at the top of nearly every batting category in franchise history. Originallydrafted by Houston, Gonzalez played for the Astros, Cubs, and Tigers before maturing into a top-notch hitter in Arizona. He collected his 2,000th hit in 2004 and his 300th homer the following season.
Played For
Houston Astros (1990-1995)
Chicago Cubs (1995-1996)
Houston Astros (1997)
Detroit Tigers (1998)
Arizona Diamondbacks (1999-2005)
All-Time Rankings
Luis Gonzalez ranks #46 among the Top 50 all-time at LF. Rankings ⇒
Best Season: 2001
There is no way, absolutely none, that Arizona makes the post-season in 2001 without Gonzalez. The lefty swinger batted .325 with 57 homers, 142 RBI, 128 runs scored, 198 hits, 100 walks, and a .688 SLG. Only Barry Bonds and SammY Sosa finished ahead of him in NL MVP voting.
Born
Luis Emilio Gonzalez was born on September 3, 1967, in Tampa, FL.
Batted: Left
Threw: Right
Primary Position: LF
Primary Team: HOU
College: South Alabama
Major League Debut
September 4, 1990
Nine Other Players Who Debuted in 1990
Luis Gonzalez
Frank Thomas
Tino Martinez
Mike Bordick
Moises Alou
Todd Hundley
Mark Leiter
Ray Lankford
Jeff Conine
Nicknames
Gonzo
Post-Season Appearances
1997 National League Divisional Series
1999 National League Divisional Series
2001 National League Championship Series
2001 National League Divisional Series
2001 World Series
Batting Feats
Hitting Streaks
30 games (1999)
23 games (1997)
Home Run Facts
"Nothing good ever comes out of that," said Luis Gonzalez on July 1, 2008, after the Marlins celebrated wildly at home plate following a walk-off home run. Gonzalez, an 18-year veteran, made sure his teammates took it easy so that no one would get unnecessarily injured in the "pile" at the plate.
All-Star Selections
1999 NL
2001 NL
2002 NL
2003 NL
2005 NL
Learn More about Luis Gonzalez
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View a map of his hometown at Mapquest ⇒
