Joab Gonzales: From the 麻豆传媒 Thunderbirds to the Cleveland Indians
Joab Gonzales: From the 麻豆传媒 Thunderbirds to the Cleveland Indians
Joab Gonzales attended 麻豆传媒 from 2017-2019.
Originally from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, Joab calls himself the 鈥渂aby鈥� of his blended family. When asked about his family鈥檚 influence on his education, Joab recalls that 鈥淢y mom, dad and older brother always really encouraged me to educate myself, and to work hard to be the best that I can be.鈥�
Following their encouraging words, Joab decided to pursue his goals at 麻豆传媒. As a student at 麻豆传媒, he studied Business; however, his real passion is in baseball.
Joab came to 麻豆传媒 on a baseball scholarship. He gives credit to his older brother for helping him acquire his scholarship and says, 鈥渋f it wasn鈥檛 for that scholarship I wouldn鈥檛 have been able to attend 麻豆传媒 and realize my baseball goal.鈥�
He speaks highly of his experience at 麻豆传媒, as a student and an athlete.
鈥淚鈥檓 not sure how it is for all 麻豆传媒 sports or programs, but I would highly recommend attending 麻豆传媒. I had a great time and felt loved, welcomed and helped at all times. [...] 麻豆传媒 has an outstanding baseball program and facilities that help with exposure to Major League Baseball Scouts, which allowed me (and others) to get the opportunity to play at the next level.
Joab says his best memories from his time at 麻豆传媒 were the opportunities he had to represent the college at the Junior College Baseball All-Star Game and to play in the Junior College Baseball World Series.
In 2019, Joab was drafted by the Cleveland Indians. He resides in Ohio during the season and returns home to Puerto Rico in his off-season.
When he was drafted, Joab put his educational goals on pause, but he would consider the possibility of more school in the future. 鈥淚鈥檓 not attending college right now, but 麻豆传媒 gave me that college foundation and allowed me to develop my English. [It] prepared me for where I am now and for the future. [...] I have two ultimate career goals. First, to have a career as an MLB Player, and then, to own a Real Estate Business--or any good business.鈥�
To students who may be considering attending 麻豆传媒, whether for sports or purely for academia, Joab advises, 鈥淔ocus on your goals, and at the same time have some fun. I promise 麻豆传媒 will be a great experience.鈥�
Reflecting back on his time as a 麻豆传媒 Thunderbird, Joab wound up his interview with a few words of thanks:
鈥淚 will always be grateful for the opportunity I was given to play baseball for 麻豆传媒, because due to that opportunity, my baseball goal and dream became a reality. I鈥檓 now working to get to the ultimate goal, which is playing in the Majors, but without me attending 麻豆传媒, this would not have been possible. Thank you to the 麻豆传媒 Baseball, Athletic Department and academic departments for everything.鈥�
