Mike Gonzalez
FameRank: 6

"Michael Vela "Mike" Gonzalez" is a professional baseball pitcher who is currently a free agent.

He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 30th round of the Major League Baseball Draft and made his major league debut on August 11, . He pitched for the Pirates from 2003 to .

More Mike Gonzalez on Wikipedia.

Coach [Byron] Walker is a really, really good coach, and that program is one of the top in Broward every year.

He introduced me to everybody and took me through the school and all that. It was the best thing to have a friend like that.

I get a little bit defensive and hurt inside, but we'll let you slide with that one.

I definitely didn't want to throw it that far away. But he helped me out.

Just give me that opportunity, ... I'll take it. I'll take it full throttle.

To work with your family is unique and a special thing, ... In essence, Joe is my boss, fortunately or unfortunately . . . however you want to look at that.

I tried to find every way to stay. I did not want to leave. It was the hardest thing for me to do. I've been there my whole life. I started my career there, and I loved all my coaches. But, me and my dad talked everything through, and we decided this was the best decision for me. I had to do it.

I wasn't going to give Taguchi anything good to hit with a lefty on deck, ... The guy is one of those punch hitters that when he gets those hits, he won't hurt me with the long ball. This is a good win to go back to the house with.

I was having trouble gripping the ball. The resin was wet. My hands were wet, ... I just told myself to throw strikes.