The Australian Baseball League (ABL) appointed Paul Gonzalez as the new general manager.
A native of Fort Worth, Texas, after appearing in over 600 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) games, Gonzalez played in the ABL and the International Baseball League of Australia for the Brisbane Bandits from 1992 until 1998 and Melbourne Monarchs in the 1998–1999 season. He made 227 appearances, boasting 48 home runs and 168 runs batted in (RBIs). His playing experience includes one Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) season with the Orix Blue Wave and a stint with Rimini of the Italian Baseball League.
He also helped Australia earn a silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, where he collected two home runs to finished tied in second place on the Home Run leader board and scored one and collected a RBI in the gold medal game against Cuba, which Australia lost 6-2.
Gonzalez has served as CEO of Baseball Queensland and general manager of the Brisbane Bandits. More recently, he has been the Bandits’ director of business relations and special projects and senior vice president of the Queensland Olympic Committee.
"Paul has a long and decorated history in our sport, on and off the field. Few have had exposure at as many stops and levels as him," commented Baseball Australia CEO and Gonzelez teammate on the 2004 National Team Glenn Williams.
Williams added: "His experience gives him a terrific understanding of our sport from the ground up. Paul's knowledge of both the ABL and what it takes to operate a team will be a major advantage as he transitions into the role. An understanding of the landscape is crucial for the league and teams to deliver on an exciting and successful 2022/23 season."
Gonzalez will start in the role immediately. His initial focus will be on finalising a schedule and locking in a broadcast plan that delivers for the ABL’s passionate fans and baseball lovers across Australia and the world.
"It has been a privilege to be associated with the Australian Baseball League and Baseball Australia for over 17 years. It is an honour to be the new general manager," Gonzalez said. "I look forward to working with the key stakeholders in the continued growth and progression of the ABL."
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