July 2009
Luis Gonzalez returns to D-backs?
PHOENIX – Former D-backs star Luis Gonzalez was in the Arizona home clubhouse Friday and could be on his way back into the organization.
The 2001 World Series hero recently spoke with team president Derrick Hall about a non-playing role with the club.
“Obviously, he will forever be linked with our organization in our brightest time,” D-backs manager A.J. Hinch said. “I still remember the arms up in the air as he runs to first base when the Diamondbacks were World Champions. I think there is a place for him in this organization. I’m not involved in the decision of what, when, where and how much.”
Although Gonzalez’s future with the club is to be determined, his past is etched in team history.
Starting in 1999, Gonzalez spent eight seasons with the D-backs and became a fan favorite along the way. ”Gonzo” was the central figure in one of the most memorable moments in baseball history in 2001 when he hit a series-winning single off Yankees closer Mariano Rivera with one out and the bases loaded in the ninth inning of Game 7 of the World Series.
After his departure from the D-backs in 2006, Gonzalez played with the Dodgers in 2007 and with the Marlins last season. The Pirates considered signing him before the start of the 2009 season.
“He’s always seemed to put smiles on people’s faces in this building with the memories he created,” Hinch said. “He has a lot of history here, a lot of friends that he played with and clubhouse personnel in our organization.”
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Manny Acta's farewell letter to Nats fans
Hi NatsTown,
As most of you know by now, my time as Manager of the Nationals has come to an end.
For those who know me best, they know that I don’t spend a lot of time dwelling or living in the past…but I wanted to write this blog to you, the fans, in recognition of the generous support you gave me and the team during my tenure with the Nationals.
As I stated from Day 1, I am (and always have been) grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the Nationals, their fans, and the DC community. I accepted this position knowing that the road would be long, rough, and full of difficult challenges. But I always believed in both the Washington Nationals and the DC community, and I was energized every day to assume responsibility for the incredible task at hand. Remember, I come from a town in the Dominican Republic where the roads to success are ALWAYS long, rough, and full of challenges; so I was excited to help bring success to you all, as well as prepared for the tough journey.
And boy, what a tremendous journey it has been! There are countless incredible experiences that I am grateful to have encountered with you all.
On the baseball field, it has obviously been a tough go. In 2007, we opened some eyes and made some progress. Then 2008 was a tremendous challenge due to the injuries and lack of stability. And 2009, well, you know the story.
Off of the field, 2007 gave me a chance to meet so many of you for the first time, at the stadium or on the streets of DC while working in the community with the Dream Foundation and other non-profits interested in making a positive impact.
I also started the ImpACTA Kids Foundation, which targeted children in both the DC area and the Dominican Republic. Your contributions have led to thousands of kids having experiences that could potentially motivate them to overcome the same long, rough, obstacle-ridden road that I personally have had to overcome and that Nats are in the process of overcoming.
Your work with my Foundation has also helped two DC community high school students prepare for college by awarding them academic scholarships to the college of their choosing. There is no exchange for the value I’ve received in seeing the smiles on the faces of all of the boys and girls we’ve been able to help out. I’ve always said that one of my life-long goals is to leave a positive impact on the people I meet and work with; and I hope that I have been true to that.
You may be wondering what exactly I will do next. Well, my immediate priority is to spend time with my family. And, since I am no magician, I don’t specifically know what the future holds for me. What I do know, however, is that Martin Luther King, Jr. once wrote, “If you can’t run, walk…if you can’t walk, crawl…but by all means, keep moving.”
What great words! So, true to his words, I know tomorrow will bring another day, and I assure you that, whether it is running, walking, or crawling, I will certainly keep moving forward.
Thanks everybody (fans, media, colleagues, Nats employees) for all that you brought to my life.
Until we have the opportunity to cross paths again…Take care NatsTown!
-MA
Jesse Sanchez
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