The first thing Carlos Gonzalez bought after signing his seven-year, $80 million contract with the Rockies? Real estate.
It wasn’t for himself so much as his peace of mind.
“I bought houses for my mom, my brother and my sister,” Gonzalez said. “They’re all together in a really safe place. I did it for security, because Venezuela can be a dangerous place.”
Of all the influences that have molded CarGo through the years, none has been bigger than his family. He’s close to his parents and his sister, but when he finds himself in times of trouble, he calls his big brother, Euro.
“My brother is my biggest influence in baseball,” Gonzalez said. “He was always there for me when I was struggling. He’s got all the tools, but he started playing late. He was like 12, but he started me playing when I was 5.”
Then there’s the other game his brother taught him. It’s called life.
“He taught me to be a man,” Gonzalez said. “He’s a very respectful person. He taught me the biggest challenge you have is to have a good face around people every day.”
It’s a lesson that has served him well. After all those years kicking around the minors, he has found fortune and fame in the big leagues.
“Sometimes you don’t feel good and don’t want to deal with anybody,” he said. “But at the same time, you realize that’s the price you have to pay. I try to be the best I can be every day and respect people.”
And if he forgets those lessons now and then?
“Then my brother tells me, ‘You’re not that great.’ That makes you keep your feet on the ground.”
Jim Armstrong, The Denver Post
