Two Guys Sports
Bruce BostwickGonzalez Killed by Lightning Strike
May 27th 2008 08:03
Gerami Gonzalez, former Major League Journeyman
Die-hard baseball or Cubs fans might remember the name Geremi Gonzalez. He led the Cubbies with 11 wins in his rookie season of 1997. After that he became a journeyman who played for four other teams between 1998-2006. He most recently played in a handful of games in Japan for the Yomiuri Giants after being released by the Blue Jays last season.
Sadly, Gonzalez was struck by lightning and killed while on a beach in his native Venezuela. He was just 33 years old.
Upon hearing the news on Monday many people around the Major Leagues who knew him spoke fondly of Gonzalez. Cubs, GM Jim Hendry said, "The Chicago Cubs are very saddened today to learn of Geremi Gonzalez's sudden passing. Geremi began his career as a Cub, leading our pitching staff with 11 wins as a rookie in 1997 and, despite an arm injury, helping the club early in the season a year later to an eventual postseason appearance. The organization sends its heartfelt condolences to his family."
Gonzalez also played for current Cubs manager Lou Piniella in Tampa Bay. Piniella said, "That's a tragic thing. He was a nice young man. He was a competitive kid, really good natured. It's a shame, it really is. I liked him a lot."
Gonzalez’s most memorable moment probably came while playing for Piniella in Tampa. He was on the mound pitching to Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa when his pitch broke Sosa’s bat. Many will remember the incident because Sosa’s bat was stuff full of cork. Sosa would later claim that he used the corked bat in batting practice to give the fans a good show, and that he was given the bat during the game by mistake.
Sammy Sosa's secret uncorked.
Gonzalez pitched in 131 Major League games which included 83 starts, he finished with a record of 30-35.
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Comment by Louie
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Not to demean it, and excuse my ignorance but what is the significance of a cork bat, is it some form of cheating?
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Questions are good.
Yes it is illegal and gives the hitter a bit of an advantage. Without getting too scientific about it… The bat is drilled and the wooden core of the bat taken out, then the hole is filled with cork and the bat sealed back up. It can make the bat up to about 1.5 ounces lighter, and lowers the center of gravity of the bat. This enables the hitter to swing the bat faster and harder. So, a hitter can wait slightly longer before starting his swing and can watch the ball travel about 6 feet further than normal before he has to decide to swing at it or not, and to see the location of the pitch.
Cork is the most used substance to refill the bat because it is so light, but other things have been used. One player in the 1970s refilled the bat with those little "superballs". It was funny when the bat broke during his at-bat and they went everywhere.
Gene
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