Biographical Stuff

Here's where you get to know what I know about Alex. If you wanna know it, get reading! It's all relevant to the boy's life!

• Alexander Scott Gonzalez was born on April 8, 1973.
• He was born and raised in Miami, Florida and went to Miami Killian High School.
• He is right-handed and therefore bats and throws right.
• Alex is 6'0" tall and weighs around 190 lbs.
• He was selected by the Blue Jays organization in the 14th round free agent draft on June 3, 1991, when he was just 18 years old!
• He was on the Toronto disabled list from April 29-May 27, 1994 (not sure why). This included a rehabilitation assignment at AAA Syracuse from May 14-27.
• Alex shares the American League record for most assists by a shortstop in a nine-inning game (13).
• In 1991, Alex led Gulf Coast League shortstops with 247 total chances.
• In 1993, he led the Southern League with 253 total bases. Also in that year, he led the Southern League shortstops with682 total chances and 92 double plays.
• In 1994, Alex led the International League shortstops with 542 total chances.
• In his second full year with Toronto, 1996, Alex led the American League shortstops with 765 total chances and 122 double plays.
• Up until recently no one knew if Alex would be signed by Toronto again or not. But on February 4, 1998, he signed a one year deal with the Jays for the 1998 season (thank God...I don't know what I would have done if he hadn't!). The deal is worth $1,487,500 US.
• One of Alex's problems at bat is the fact that he has a hard time not looking at good pitches. He ends up striking out a lot more than anything else, and it must be frustrating for him. When he gets more experience, he should turn out to be a good slugger like former Jay (who is now a Baltimore Oriole) Joe Carter.
• Alex has already been compared to All-Star shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles. I can understand that, and I think given some more time, Alex will be an All-Star shortstop just like Cal, if not better. Especially after Cal retires and Alex doesn't have to compete with him *smile*!!
• Like many major leaguers, Alex bypassed a university education (at least for now) in order to play baseball professionally.
• Alex's father is an electrical engineering professor at the University of Miami. I wonder what he thought of his son turning down a full scholorship in order to turn pro...?

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