Adrian Gonzalez

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**Adrian Gonzalez**

San Diego Padres — No. 23
First Baseman
Bats: Left	Throws: Left
Major League Baseball debut
April 18, 2004 for the Texas Rangers
Selected MLB statistics (through 2006)
AVG	.285
RBI	106
HR	31
Former teams
Texas Rangers (2004-2005) San Diego Padres (2006-present)

Adrian Gonzalez (born May 8, 1982 in San Diego) is a Major League Baseball first baseman for the San Diego Padres. He was the first overall pick in the 2000 draft by the Florida Marlins. Adrian was drafted out of Eastlake High School and given a $3 million signing bonus. After a wrist injury, the Marlins felt Adrian would be hindered swinging the bat, so he was subsequently traded to the Texas Rangers in a deal for Ugueth Urbina. Adrian played for Texas in 2004 and 2005. After the season, he was traded to the San Diego Padres along with pitcher Chris Young and outfielder Terrmel Sledge. In return the Rangers received Adam Eaton and Akinori Otsuka. Originally seen as an eventual replacement for Ryan Klesko at first base, Adrian was given the job when Klesko underwent shoulder surgery.

The son of Mexican parents, Gonzalez lived twelve years of his youth in Mexico. He played for Mexico in the '06 World Baseball Classic. He plays winter ball in the Mexican Pacific League for the Mazatlan Deers.

With extended playing time at first base in 2006, Gonzalez continued to improve his hitting, and showed flashes of gold glove caliber defense. In his first full season, he led the Padres in batting average (.304) and home runs (24). He was the first player in Petco Park history to have more than one multiple home run game.