Altoona Curve

Gonzalez hoping life lessons from famous dad pay off

Impressive lineage

Jacob Gonzalez's father, Luis, was an MLB player from 1990-2008. He played with the Astros, Cubs, Tigers, Diamondbacks, Dodgers and Marlins. He finished with 354 home runs and 1,439 RBIs. He hit 57 home runs and 142 RBIs in 2001, the year Arizona won the World Series.

By Jarrod Prugar

For the Mirror

Since the day Altoona Curve infielder Jacob Gonzalez was born, the clubhouse has been a home away from home.

It just so happens the clubhouses were filled with guys the likes of Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling and Russell Martin.

The reason he had that type of access? His dad is five-time All-Star and 2001 World Series Champion Luis Gonzalez.

"I would say growing up was a great experience just getting to be around a lot of great players and be around the game and grow up in the clubhouse with them," Gonzalez said. "It definitely taught me a lot of things and how to go about your business in professional baseball and I watched a lot of really good baseball too, which was awesome."

Some of the best baseball happened when Gonzalez was just learning to walk. That, of course, is when his dad became a hero in Arizona, and for the Diamondbacks, having hit a walk-off single off the New York Yankees' Mariano Rivera to win the World Series.

At the time, Gonzalez was only three, but it's a time his family will never forget.

"I remember we had a nice parade after and I get to see a lot of the memories and photos now which is pretty cool getting to be there," Gonzalez said. "It's pretty special. Still being in Arizona and going around and seeing all the people and hearing all the stories about where they were at whenever the Diamondbacks won and so it's still really awesome getting to go around town."

For Gonzalez, having a dad. like Luis provides him with endless opportunities to pick his brain and understand the nuances of professional baseball and what it means to be a professional.

"He had so much experience in this game, so it's hard not to lean on him sometimes, but he's also there for me through everything and I really appreciate everything that he's done for me."

Now, Gonzalez is trying to leave his own legacy and establish a successful career as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates' organization. He was selected in the Rule 5 draft in 2021 after spending the first few years of his career in the San Francisco Giants' organization.

"I've loved it here," Gonzalez said. "I love all the people around and it's just some new thoughts and new ideas coming over here and I feel like that's helped me learn about myself a little bit more and grow in the game."

At 6-foot-4, Gonzalez is on the tall end of the spectrum for infielders and has seen extensive time at both first base and designated hitter for Altoona this season. For him, it's all about continuing to improve and making the most of what's being given to him.

"I really like who I'm working with here and like the plan that we have in place," Gonzalez said. "I think just continuing to put in the work and try to grow and let those results happen on the field."

Gonzalez and the Pirates work daily on implementing the plan for his development to help him advance up the ladder within the organization.

"The Pirates do a great job of communicating with us to put forth a plan," Gonzalez said. "It includes watching some video and then we're given some drills and sort of thoughts in the box and then just going from there."

For Gonzalez, the goal is to reach the Majors. Will he have a legacy like his father? That's still to be determined, but regardless, he's going to enjoy and embrace the journey by taking some of his dad's advice.

"My dad always taught me just work as hard as you can and just enjoy each moment within the game where you're at, who you're around and take it all in at each level," he said.