Professional Career
Gonzalez grew up in the West Tampa neighborhood of Tampa, Florida. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1985 along with childhood friend Tino Martinez. After high school, he attended the University of South Alabama, where he earned Baseball America's All-Freshman Second Team honors. He was drafted by the Houston Astros in the fourth round of the 1988 amateur draft. Gonzales played American Legion Baseball for Post 248. Other Post 248 alumni include Lou Pinella, Tony LaRussa, Tino Martinez and Gary Sheffield.
Between 1990–1998, Gonzalez was solid if unspectacular hitter. His best year during that period was 1993, when his batting average was .300, with 162 hits, including 34 doubles and 15 home runs.
Read more about this topic: Luis Gonzalez (outfielder)
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