Jonny Gomes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jonny Gomes |
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Gomes with the Boston Red Sox in 2014
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| Outfielder / Designated hitter | |||
| Born: November 22, 1980 Petaluma, California, U.S. |
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| Professional debut | |||
| MLB: September 12, 2003, for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays | |||
| NPB: March 25, 2016, for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles | |||
| Last appearance | |||
| MLB: October 4, 2015, for the Kansas City Royals | |||
| NPB: April 20, 2016, for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles | |||
| MLB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .242 | ||
| Home runs | 162 | ||
| Runs batted in | 526 | ||
| NPB statistics | |||
| Batting average | .169 | ||
| Home runs | 1 | ||
| Runs batted in | 7 | ||
| Teams | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Jonathan Johnson Gomes (born November 22, 1980) is an American baseball coach and former outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for many teams from 2003 to 2015. These teams included the Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds, Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, and Kansas City Royals. After his playing career, he became a coach. He now works for the Arizona Diamondbacks, helping younger players with their outfield skills and baserunning.
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Early Life and Challenges
Gomes grew up in Petaluma, California. He was a talented baseball player at Casa Grande High School. When he was 16, he was in a car accident where his best friend sadly passed away. Gomes was only slightly hurt. He has his friend's initials tattooed on his arm to remember him.
After high school, Gomes went to Santa Rosa Junior College. He worked hard to improve his baseball skills there. In 2001, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays chose him in the MLB Draft.
In 2002, Gomes had a serious health scare. He had a heart attack on Christmas Eve. Even though he was very fit, an artery was blocked. Doctors said he was lucky to survive. This experience showed how tough he was, both on and off the field.
Playing in the Major Leagues
Tampa Bay Devil Rays / Rays (2003–2008)
Jonny Gomes first played in the major leagues on September 12, 2003. He spent some time playing for the minor league team, the Durham Bulls. In 2005, he played so well in the minor leagues that the Devil Rays brought him back to the main team.
He quickly became an important player for the Rays. On July 30, 2005, he made history for the team by hitting three home runs in one game. He hit 21 home runs in just 101 games that year. Fans loved him for his strong hitting and his energetic playing style. He even hit one home run that went 474 feet! Gomes finished third in the Rookie of the Year award voting for 2005.
In 2006, Gomes started strong, hitting 11 home runs in April. He played through a shoulder injury that year, which made hitting harder. He had surgery on his shoulder in September to fix it.
In 2008, Gomes showed his loyalty to his teammates. During a game, he rushed to defend a teammate who was hurt by another player. This led to a brief fight between the teams. Gomes was suspended for a few games because of his actions. He said he was just protecting his teammate, which is what he was taught to do.
The Rays made it to the 2008 World Series that year, but they lost. After the 2008 season, Gomes became a free agent.
Cincinnati Reds (2009–2011)
In 2009, Gomes signed a contract with the Cincinnati Reds. He played well and hit three home runs in a game again on August 13, 2009. In 2010, he hit his 100th career home run. The Reds kept him for the 2011 season.
Washington Nationals (2011)
Gomes was traded to the Washington Nationals in July 2011. He played 43 games for them that season.
Oakland Athletics (2012)
In 2012, Gomes signed with the Oakland Athletics. He had a very good season, hitting 18 home runs. He was a key player for the team.
Boston Red Sox (2013–2014)
Gomes joined the Boston Red Sox in 2013. His teammates called him "Hacksaw Jonny Gomes" because of his intense playing style.
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In 2013, Gomes helped the Red Sox win the World Series. In Game 4 of the World Series, he hit a big three-run home run that helped his team take the lead. The Red Sox went on to win the championship that year.
Return to Oakland Athletics (2014)
In July 2014, Gomes was traded back to the Oakland Athletics. He said he had a wonderful time playing for the Red Sox.
Atlanta Braves (2015)
Gomes signed with the Atlanta Braves for the 2015 season. He quickly became popular with his new teammates and fans. He even had a special bobblehead made with teammate Freddie Freeman!
On August 28, 2015, Gomes got to pitch in a game for the first time. He pitched the last inning of a game against the New York Yankees. He even got his first strikeout!
Kansas City Royals (2015)
Later in 2015, Gomes was traded to the Kansas City Royals. The Royals won the 2015 World Series that year. Even though Gomes didn't play in the postseason games, he still received a World Series ring.
Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles (2016)
In 2016, Gomes played for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in Japan for a short time.
Savannah Bananas (2022)
In 2022, Gomes also played for the Savannah Bananas, a fun exhibition baseball team.
Coaching Career
Jonny Gomes officially retired as a player in 2018. He then became a coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He helps young players learn how to play the outfield and how to run the bases.
Personal Life
Jonny Gomes is married to Amber Gomes. They have three children together.
Giving Back to the Community
Gomes is known for his great charity work. He has worked with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, helping children in the Tampa Bay area. He participated in events where kids could shop with players. He also visited schools to inspire young people to follow their dreams.
Gomes has also supported nine Little League teams in his hometown of Petaluma, California. He is involved with "Camp for a Cure," a baseball camp that raises money for cancer and lupus research.
Broadcasting
After his playing career, Gomes also worked as a baseball analyst. He has appeared on TV to talk about baseball games, especially for the Boston Red Sox.
See also
In Spanish: Jonny Gomes para niños
