LEO GOMEZCareer recordRanks third in Orioles history in...

UP CLOSE WITH THE ORIOLES

August 04, 1995|By Jamison Hensley

LEO GOMEZ

Career record

Ranks third in Orioles history in games played at third base behind Brooks Robinson and Doug DeCinces. Has hit at least 10 home runs in four straight major-league seasons through 1994. Averages a homer every 25 at-bats. Signed with the Orioles as a nondrafted free agent in 1985. Was the Orioles' Organizational Player of the Year in 1987 and 1990.

Personal record

Born in and still lives in Canovanas, Puerto Rico. Turned 28 on March 2. Has a 5-year-old son, Leonardo Jr., with his wife, Lee. His older brother, Marco, was an outfielder in the Milwaukee Brewers' organization.

Favorite food

Rice and beans

Favorite television shows

"Oprah" and "Geraldo"

Favorite music

Christian

Best superstition

"Nothing other than believing in Jesus."

Favorite book

The Bible

If he weren't playing baseball, he'd be ...

A coach. "I would want to do something with kids."

Favorite sports to play other than baseball

Basketball and volleyball, both of which he played at Luis Hernaes Nevones High in Puerto Rico.

How he passes time on road trips

"I always stay in my room, listening to music, watching TV or reading the Bible."

New hobby

Playing golf. "I just got the clubs today. I never played before. I am just going to try and enjoy myself. [My teammates] all play golf, so it probably will be nice."

Most helpful coach

Cal Ripken Sr. "He helped me a lot -- my defense and everything. I will always remember him."

Favorite moment

His first game when he singled in his first plate appearance against Mike Boddicker in Boston on Sept. 17, 1990. "When I come to the big leagues. I went 2-for-3 and was so happy they decided to call me up to the big leagues. The first moment was so exciting, and I never want to change that."

Most embarrassing moment

"Same day. I made two errors in a game. I want to remember my offense but don't want to remember my defense. It was a strange day."

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