PHOENIX - One of the greatest players in the storied history of University of South Alabama baseball announced the end of his playing career on Saturday night, while also accepting a new position in the Arizona Diamondbacks' front office.
Luis Gonzalez, who played at USA from 1986-88, will join the Diamondbacks as special advisor to the Arizona club president and CEO. He announced his decision at a press conference before the Arizona club hosted "Luis Gonzalez Appreciation Night" at Chase Field. The announcement brings his 19-year Major League career to a close, though Gonzalez said he would've welcomed the opportunity to continue playing.
"It's sad to see Luis out of baseball as a player, but on the same token he's staying in baseball, and I know he'll be a huge asset to the Diamondbacks," said USA head coach Steve Kittrell, who coached Gonzalez during his days as a Jag. "He's probably the most popular Diamondback to ever play, and he's also one of South Alabama's all-time greatest."
Gonzalez' name is peppered throughout the USA record books. Despite playing just three seasons, he ranks third in runs scored (176), tied for third in doubles (51), eighth in home runs (32), second in RBI (183) and fourth in walks (121).
In addition to the Luis Gonzalez Indoor Hitting Facility, Gonzalez' name also adorns the outfield wall at Stanky Field, where his number 5 is one of only two numbers to be retired in the 45-year history of USA baseball. He is the only former player to have been so honored.
"Gonzo" broke into the Major Leagues with the Houston Astros in 1990, after the club selected him in the fourth round of the 1988 MLB First-Year Player Draft. He spent five years with the Astros before being traded to the Chicago Cubs in 1995. He returned to the Astros as a free agent for the 1997 season, and spent 1998 with the Detroit Tigers before finding a home with the Diamondbacks in 1999.
He stayed with the Diamondbacks through the 2006 season, then played one season each for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Florida Marlins, respectively.
A five-time All-Star, Gonzalez is perhaps best known for an unforgettable moment in game 7 of the 2001 World Series. He stepped up to the plate with the game tied 2-2, the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the ninth, facing Mariano Rivera. One of the game's all-time greatest closers, Rivera had converted 23 consecutive postseason saves before Gonzalez put an end to that streak with one swing of the bat as he blooped an 0-1 pitch over the head of Derek Jeter to win the World Series.
"Every day as a kid you dream about being in game 7 of the World Series, and he was there with one out and the bases loaded, and he came through," Kittrell said. "He had a great career, and I'm just so happy for him that he has an opportunity to continue working with the Diamondbacks."
Gonzalez averaged exactly one hit per game during his career, finishing with 2,591 hits. He also ranks 15th in Major League history with 596 career doubles and tied for 75th with 354 career home runs. He led the National League with 206 hits in 1999 and won a Silver Slugger award in 2001 when he hit 57 home runs.
The Diamondbacks approached Gonzalez with a chance to join the team for a ceremonial final at-bat, but he said he had too much respect for the game to go out with a staged appearance. Instead, he was honored in a pregame ceremony with his wife and three children, and the crowd went crazy as the video board showed his famous World-Series-winning hit.
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
