Washington Nationals have to bear with Gio Gonzalez’ extended family members - MLB Update
As a player coming from an extended family system, Gio Gonzalez does not find himself alone while pitching against St. Louis Cardinals in Florida as almost all of his family members make a thumping presence in the stadium.
Just before he strikes a balance while positioning on mound, his parents, cousins, aunts and many others will erupt the crowd with noisy slogans. So much so even the family barber was equally enthusiastic at the sight of Gonzalez.
“They were definitely in the top of the stands,” Gonzalez said. “My parents, I had to tell them, ‘Turn it down up there. We’re all grown men now. This ain’t Khoury League anymore."
Instead of becoming extra conscious by expectations, he displayed amazing composure on the mound and added to family’s pride by remaining scoreless in four innings while allowing only two hits and getting two strike-outs.
As if propelled an extra energy to his muscles, he consistently hit 90 to 93 mph at the sheer surprise of opponents. So far in Spring Training, he has yet to be scored against by any side and it is because of his amazing performance that manager Davey Johnson
considers him a top contender for starting on opening day.
“He’s been nothing but superb all through the spring,” Johnson said.
When Nationals got Gonzalez in trade, perhaps close-knit community he belongs to and immense family support he brings was not accounted for. After the match Nationals had to pass through a long session of meeting with his family members that included his
parents, two aunts, cousins, uncle, family barber and some younger baseball players belonging to Hialeah High.
While loyalty of his family members were evident in the game, what many may not know is the fact that he loves his family as much, even making no difference between his brothers and cousins. In a desire to see his family members become great baseball players,
he introduces many of them to his club to let them know if they can spot their talent.
As Gonzalez undergoes Spring Training games, he may be unsure of his performance in the upcoming games and the fact whether he will be able to continue pitching the ball at a same pace, what however he is sure of is the fact that he will not miss his family
members wherever he goes.
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