Meet Zak Gonzalez

On this episode, Zak (LHP, Comstock Park, Mich.) talks about being inspired to follow his dreams when playing for a travel baseball team in Lansing, Michigan. He saw his game elevate, and he then put all his energy into making it to professional baseball. After a successful career at Comstock Park High School, he played two years at Jackson Community College as a starting pitcher where the team set records for wins and had incredible success. He went on to Davenport University where he was a reliever. He realized his low 80s, pitch to contact fastball wasn’t going to get him drafted, but remained dedicated to a life in baseball. He worked in operations for the West Michigan Whitecaps and Myrtle Beach Pelicans, and also found time to coach travel baseball, college club baseball and teach pitching lessons. He also worked briefly for the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Now working in college admissions and based in Charlotte, N.C., he works part time doing video for the Charlotte Knights. He and his wife Helen have two young daughters. He's a dedicated Seattle Mariners fan. He is also the oldest son.