Alex Gonzalez returns to coach the Collegiate League of the Palm Beaches as the head coach of the Palm Beach Marlins. He brings a ton of experience and credibility to the Marlins.
Alex Gonzalez is from Cagua, Venezuela, and if you feel like you may have heard his name before, it’s probably because you have. Gonzalez signed with the then Florida, now Miami Marlins in 1994 and made his MLB debut in 1998 at age 21 playing shortstop. He was named to the National League All-Star team in 1999 as a rookie. Maybe his biggest highlight is the World Series he won with the Marlins in 2003, where he hit a walk-off home run in the 12th inning of Game 4 the World Series, and hit a game-tying double with two outs in Game 5, later scoring the winning run. The Marlins would go on to beat the New York Yankees four games to two to win the World Series.
Gonzalez finished his major league career following the 2014 season after 16 years, playing for the Florida Marlins, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers, and Detroit Tigers. He would go on to play in his native Venezuela before officially retiring.
After retiring from his playing career, Gonzalez thought his next step in baseball was coaching. He felt he was ready, and with his love for the game, it’s no surprise. He currently coaches a high school team, and has aspirations of being a 3rd base coach or bench coach at a higher level.
These days, much of baseball is focused on launch angle, exit velocity, and hitting home runs. Alex Gonzalez doesn’t totally buy into that. He comes from an era before it was really the main focus. Gonzalez likes doing the little things, stealing bases, aggressive baserunning, pitchers throwing strikes over the plate, and playing smart baseball. He said he has taken bits and pieces of styles from the different coaches he played for.
Having played 16 years in the majors, Gonzalez has had a plethora of teammates. He said his favorite teammate has always been Luis Castillo, who also happens to coach with. They were teammates for 8 years with the Marlins as well as World Series champions.
The Palm Beach Marlins are poised for success this year in the CLPB with Alex Gonzalez at the helm. You can’t get much better than a former major league All-Star and World Series champion.