AtL Lancaster Stormers

All-Star Shortstop Gonzalez Signs with Barnstormers

Published on March 18, 2008 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Lancaster Stormers News Release


LANCASTER, Pa.-All-Star shortstop Danny Gonzalez wants to play baseball in Lancaster. Turning down an offer to return to the Mexican Leagues this summer, Gonzalez signed with the Barnstormers for the 2008 season, vice president of baseball operations Keith Lupton announced today.

Gonzalez, 26, first joined the Barnstormers in June of 2005 and played a key role in each of the club's prior three seasons. He ranks second on the team's all-time list in career hits (308), third in runs scored (147) and fourth in homers (31) and RBIs (131) while batting a composite .294. The former fourth-round pick of the Philadelphia Phillies has also been regarded as one of the Atlantic League's finest defensive shortstops, last year anchoring an infield that led the league with 13 double plays.

"We consider Danny one of the top defensive shortstops in the minor leagues," Lupton said. "Since he has come to Lancaster, he has developed into a premier hitter in our league as well."

Gonzalez won the Gold Glove award as a shortstop this winter for Culiacan of the Mexican Pacific League and hit .240 with 14 doubles and eight home runs in 68 games. He committed just six errors at shortstop.

A model of consistency, Gonzalez batted .270, .271 and .262 in his first three full seasons in the Phillies organization, hit .275 in his first tour of duty with the Barnstormers in '05, and then returned after a stint in the Chicago Cubs organization to hit .319 with eight homers for the 2006 championship team.

Last year, Gonzalez played in each of the club's first 102 games and 122 of 126 overall. The switch-hitter finished with a .292 average, 16 home runs, 29 doubles and 67 RBIs and led the club with 65 walks and a .384 on-base percentage. A strong first half gave Gonzalez a spot on the South roster for the Atlantic League All-Star Game, in which he was 2-for-3 with a walk as the only shortstop used.

The signing of Gonzalez gives the Barnstormers 15 players under contract for the 2008 season which opens at home on Friday, April 25, 2008 against the Bridgeport Bluefish. The only way to guarantee seats for Opening Weekend is by becoming a Barnstormers season ticket holder. For more information on the Barnstormers numerous flexible ticket plans, call (717) 509-HITS or visit www.LancasterBarnstormers.com.

Tickets to Opening Night will go on sale during the Barnstormers annual FanFest on Saturday, April 5.

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