Tony González
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Andrés Antonio "Tony" González (born August 28, 1936 in Cuba), is a former Major League Baseball outfielder and left-handed batter who played with the Cincinnati Reds (1960), Philadelphia Phillies (1960-68), San Diego Padres (1969), Atlanta Braves (1969-70) and California Angels (1970-71).
A fine center fielder, González spent his best years with the Phillies. He had an average but secure arm with the range to make the outstanding play. As a hitter, he batted for average with occasional power, drew a significant number of walks, was a good bunter, and stung the ball well enough to collect an above-average of doubles and triples. He hit a career-high 20 home runs in 1962, and in 1963 he had career-highs in doubles (36) and triples (12), for third and second in the league, respectively. In 1967, his career-high .339 average was second to Roberto Clemente .357 for the NL batting crown, and also was second in the majors.
In 12-season career, González hit .286 (1485-for-5195) with 103 home runs, 615 RBI, 690 runs, 238 doubles, 57 triples, and 79 stolen bases in 1559 games. In the 1969 National League Championship Series against the Mets, he hit .357 with two RBI, one double, four runs, and one homer (belted off Tom Seaver).
Highlights
- 3-time led NL outfielders in fielding average (1962, 1964, 1967)
- First regular center fielder ever to field 1.000 (and 3rd outfielder overall, 1962)
- His .339 average is the highest posted by a Phillie since 1967. The runner-up, Bobby Abreu, hit .335 in 1999.
See also
