Carlos Gonzalez is a Venezuelan professional baseball player who played as an outfielder in Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He began his career with the Oakland Athletics in 2008, where he played for two seasons before being traded to the Colorado Rockies in 2009.
Gonzalez quickly established himself as a key player for the Rockies, earning three All-Star selections and three Gold Glove Awards during his time with the team. He was also a Silver Slugger Award winner in 2010, when he led the National League in batting average (.336), hits (197), and total bases (351).
Throughout his career, Gonzalez was known for his impressive offensive skills, including his ability to hit for power and average. He hit over 20 home runs in eight different seasons, including a career-high 40 in 2015. He also had a career batting average of .287 and an OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) of .846.
In addition to his offensive prowess, Gonzalez was also a strong defensive player. He won three Gold Glove Awards for his work in the outfield, where he was known for his range and strong arm.
Despite his success on the field, Gonzalez battled injuries throughout his career. He missed significant time in 2014 and 2017 due to knee injuries, and also dealt with shoulder and hand injuries at various points.
Gonzalez played his final season in the MLB in 2019, splitting time between the Rockies and the Cleveland Indians. He finished his career with 1,337 hits, 227 home runs, and 749 RBIs.
Off the field, Gonzalez was known for his charitable work. He established the Carlos Gonzalez Foundation in 2010, which aims to improve the lives of underprivileged children in Venezuela and the United States.
Overall, Carlos Gonzalez had a successful career in the MLB, earning numerous accolades for his offensive and defensive skills. While injuries may have limited his playing time in some seasons, he remained a key player for the Rockies and was a fan favorite throughout his time in the league.
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