On Saturday July 14th Marlins Park will host the city of Hialeah’s most coveted product since, “Agua, fango y factorias”. Washington Nationals All-Star pitcher Gio Gonzalez will get his first career Major League start in the city that embraces him; Miami. The Marlins, a team that normally hosts an uncomforting support for the opponents fan base will finally have a heartwarming reason to continue the tradition.
Gio Gonzalez spent his first three years of High School as a member of the Hialeah High Thoroughbreds’ Baseball team. As a member of the T-Breds he contributed to two state championships and three state appearances. Gonzalez was even named the starter of the state championship game his freshman year, “you just knew this kid (Gio) was going to be special” said Richard Bielsky former Hialeah High Head Coach. He would end his High School Career as a member of the Monsignor Edward Pace Spartans where he would ultimately graduate.
From that point forward it seems to have all gone by so fast. In 2004, he would be drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 1st round (38th pick), be a major piece in three trades within the next four years and finally get a chance to flourish as an everyday Major League pitcher with the Oakland Athletics. In 2011 (as a member of the Athletics) Gonzalez was named to the All-Star game, a feat he would repeat this season as a member of the Nationals after being traded to Washington and signing a five-year extension worth $42 million through 2016.
After eight years removed from a meaningful start in Miami we get to embrace the successful career of one of our own. Gio Gonzalez, a resident and strong supporter of the city of Hialeah, has the backing of a whole city. The city showers his social media sites with positivity and livelihood. Some supporters even customizing Marlins jerseys with Gonzalez and his number 47 on the back to show support for both the local team and local superstar.
All in all it will be a special day for the city of Miami and especially a day to be embraced by those who claim Hialeah to be home.