Gonzalez Looking For An Opportunity

MAGNOLIA, TX - Rudy Gonzalez has always had the knack of what it takes behind the plate. Getting his bat to that level has been a work in process.

“I’ve had trouble hitting in the past,” the Magnolia senior said. “I sat myself down last year and said I know I can do this. Ever since I’ve been driving the ball into the gaps and hitting it over the fence.”

Help has always been there in his own backyard.

“Once I started playing baseball I told my dad I wanted to keep playing and asked him to build me a cage,” Gonzalez reflected. “I’ve had one since Little League age 10. It means a lot to me, there’s always something to work on. On a day I don’t play well I go to the cage. It lights a fire in my inspiration, in my work ethic and in my determination.”

The contribution from his dad does not go overlooked.

“My father (Jose) is the reason why I’m here playing baseball,” the 22nd-ranked catcher in the state’s 2018 class said. “I’ve always looked up to him.”

With an improved stick to go along with his ability as a backstop, the 5-10 189-pound senior is hoping his future in baseball is far from over.

“I’m not trying to sound too cocky, but I’m a very, very good defensive catcher,” said Gonzalez, whose Magnolia High School team is currently ranked 10th in the Texas Power 25 ranking. “I’d say I’m worthy of being a Division I university catcher.”

It is a skill that Gonzalez has worked on since a young age.

“I started catching at 12,” Gonzalez explained. “I fell in love with it once I put on the gear and squatted behind the plate. It’s really about how you need to be a leader and run the whole field.”

Midland University in Nebraska and Western Texas College have both been in talks with Gonzalez.

“I went to a PBR at Tomball and at first I wasn’t getting any recognition from colleges,” Gonzalez said. “But once PBR posted a video, colleges began contacting me.”

While late in the recruiting process, Gonzalez is hoping colleges don’t miss the boat.

“It’s my fault I didn’t expose myself early on,” Gonzalez admitted. “I relied on coaches going to my games rather than going to showcases to show off my ability. If I don’t get to play in college there will be sadness in all of this with the ability I have and not being able to use it.”

A 3.2 student taking Advance Prep classes, Gonzalez has a lot to give to a program at the next level.

“I don’t like losing,” Gonzalez said about what he can bring to a college. “I’m a team leader on and off the field. There are days after a high school game I go to my house and hit off the tee or work on my swing. Every weekend I’m in the cage working on something. You can always improve.”

Where that work ethic takes Gonzalez is still uncertain.

“I wouldn’t mind playing JUCO at all,” Gonzalez said. “It would be good exposure for a D-I college. Hopefully, I’m one of those that can move up from there to play Division I baseball.”

It is something Gonzalez, who plans to major in mechanical engineering, has dreamed about.

“I’ve wanted to play college baseball since my freshman year,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve imagined stepping to the plate in the bottom of the ninth, 3-2 count, two outs and the bases loaded in a tie game.”

All Gonzalez wants is an opportunity.

“”Hopefully, I get to play baseball in college,” Gonzalez said. “I’ll play with my summer team, Premier Baseball, to give me more exposure and maybe something will develop. But if it doesn’t happen, it wasn’t meant to be. I’ll just have to grind on in what I’m majoring in.”