Alberto González (baseball)

6TH 8837 Alberto González

Alberto González (born April 18, 1983) is a Venezuelan former professional baseball shortstop who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for several teams. González was known for his defensive skills and versatility in the infield.

Early Life

Alberto González was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in baseball, a popular sport in his home country. His talent on the field quickly became apparent, leading him to pursue a career in professional baseball.

Professional Career

González signed as an undrafted free agent with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2002. He spent several years in the Diamondbacks' minor league system before making his MLB debut on April 7, 2007. González's time in the major leagues saw him playing for various teams, including the New York Yankees, Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, and Chicago Cubs. Throughout his career, González was primarily utilized as a shortstop but also played second base and third base, showcasing his versatility as an infielder.

His defensive prowess was a key aspect of his game, often contributing significantly to his teams' infield defenses. Despite being more recognized for his glove work, González also had moments where he contributed offensively.

Later Career and Retirement

After his stint in the MLB, González continued to play professional baseball in the minor leagues and overseas, including stints in the Mexican Baseball League. He officially announced his retirement from professional baseball in 2016.

Legacy

Alberto González's career in MLB may not have been marked by headline-grabbing statistics or awards, but his role as a reliable infielder made him a valuable asset to the teams he played for. His journey from Venezuela to the major leagues serves as an inspiration to many young baseball players in his home country.

See Also

• List of Major League Baseball players from Venezuela
• Infielder
• Shortstop