Gonzalez Has Two-Way Opportunity At Boston College

Cesar Gonzalez C / RHP / Springfield Commonwealth academy, MA / 2024

SPRINGFIELD, Ma. - A 1.79 pop time at the recent New England ProCase is just an example of what Cesar Gonzalez can do on the ball field.

Boston College is happy to have the services of the Springfield Commonwealth Academy junior in their future.

“They like my attitude,” related the third-rated New England 2024 catcher, who recently made a commitment to the Atlantic Coast Conference school. “They also like my arm, they really like that.  What they’ve seen of my hitting they also like that.”

Interest from Boston College began in the summer.

“One of my teammates was already committed to BC,” explained Gonzalez, who did not take the first scholarship offer made by Boston College.

“After that I went to a showcase and they saw me pitching,” Gonzalez said. “They called and offered me as a two-way.”

As time went by, the 5-9 175-pounder decided not to pass up the second offer.

“There were a lot of schools interested but I knew BC was my first option,” Gonzalez noted. “First of all, it was one of my dream colleges to play at. Academics is important to me and it’s a prestigious college for that. My dream is to go to the pros and I think they can help.”

To be a two-way player added to the excitement.

“I know one school saw me only as a catcher but others saw me as both,” the hard-throwing right-hander said. “That’s really important for me. I know it’s hard being a pitcher and catcher and I’ll have to put in a lot of work, but it’s really important to have the chance to do both.”

The idea of playing at the next level began years ago.

Since I was eight or nine years old back home in Venezuela, I’ve thought about it,” Gonzalez said. “My father was a baseball player and when he got older he played softball and I went to his games. I started seeing college baseball games and started thinking about doing that.”

A move to the states took place in September of 2021 and that helped make it become a reality.

“Baseball here is really really good, better than back home, but it’s totally different,” Gonzalez explained. “Kids are better at 10-12 there, but then when they grow older they’re better here.”

The fifth-rated junior in New England is confident about what he can provide at the next level.

“I always give 100 percent and try to be the best teammate I can be,” Gonzalez related. “I try to be the leader that a catcher has to be. I’ve played it all my life, it’s the only position where you can see the full perspective of the game. He’s a leader on the field and I really enjoy that part.”

Becoming a pitcher is only a recent development.

“When I got here I did a bullpen and my coach said I could really throw hard,” the recently-turned 17-year-old noted. “I’ve been used as a closer since then.”

A 4.0 student considering a major in international business or marketing, Gonzalez is ready for that next step in his life.

“I want to get my degree and I really want to play college baseball,” Gonzalez concluded. “I want to help bring them a championship, they haven’t had that in a long time. I want to be the catcher, but if they want me to pitch I’ll do that. Whatever it takes for the team to win.”