Eric Gonzalez Returning to WhiteWings as Player-Coach

January 26, 2011 - United League Baseball (ULB)
Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings News Release


HARLINGEN - The Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings announced Wednesday that they have picked up the option on third baseman Eric Gonzalez (6-0, 200, University of Texas-Brownsville), who returns not only as a player, but hitting coach as well.

Last season with the WhiteWings, the La Feria-native hit .315 with four home runs and 52 runs batted in. This will be his first season as a coach.

"I talked to [WhiteWings manager] Eddie [Dennis] and he wanted a player-coach while I wanted to learn a little more about coaching. I've been helping with the hitting for a few years as an instructor. Now it's official. I'm excited to come back. Hopefully we get a good squad both on and off the field.," Gonzalez said.

An original Edinburg Roadrunner, Gonzlaez played in 692 games for the Roadrunners from 2001-through-2009, batting .271 with 49 home runs and 342 RBI. He stole 85 bases in 108 attempts while racking up 142 doubles. His best season came in 2004, when he led the Roadrunners to the Central League Championship by batting .305 with 10 home runs and 53 RBI in 83 games. Gonzalez also hit 10 home runs in 2007 while hitting .272 with 38 RBI in 93 games.

"Eric has meant so much to professional baseball in the Rio Grande Valley, and it's always special to have someone who can perform at the highest level, both on and off the field, on the team," WhiteWings General Manager Cory Dirksen said.

Gonzalez will turn 32 the day before the WhiteWings open up the regular season on May 25 against the Roadrunners at 7:00 p.m. at Edinburg Baseball Stadium.

Season tickets to watch the WhiteWings this summer are on sale now. Season and Group tickets can be purchased by calling the WhiteWings at 956-423-WING (9464) or in person at Harlingen Field. Individual game tickets will go on sale closer to opening day. Log onto www.whitewingsbaseball.com for more information on ticket sales, player signings and game promotions.



United League Baseball Stories from January 26, 2011


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