Dodgers: Adrian Gonzalez Returns to Baseball In Search of One Last Accomplishment

After a two-year hiatus, old friend Adrian Gonzalez is on the verge of making his return to the game of baseball.

The former Dodger took to social media on Tuesday afternoon, announcing that he would be playing in the Mexican League in 2021.

Llegaron los Mariachis y vamos a hacer mucho ruido. Con mucha emoción les anunció mi regreso al diamante. Mariachis de Guadalajara vamos con todo!! @MisMariachisGDL #LlgaronLosMariachis #LaNuevaTradicion ? ?? ?? pic.twitter.com/QNsSn51FSp

— Adrián González OLY (@Adrian_ElTitan) March 30, 2021

The Mariachis have arrived, and we’re going to make some noise. With great emotion, I announce my return to the diamond. Mariachis of Guadalajara, let’s give it our all!

The Mariachis are the newest expansion team in the Mexican League and will be based in Guadalajara, Mexico. But while a return to competitive baseball is already a welcome sight, Gonzalez has goals that go above and beyond simply extending his career.

Baseball is set to return to the Olympic stage this summer in Tokyo for the first time since 2008. It will also mark the first time that Mexico qualifies for the games, providing a unique opportunity for the former Dodger.

Related: Adrian Gonzalez Shares His Thoughts on Julio Urias’ Status Among the Mexican Community

Adrian Gonzalez has had plenty of opportunities to represent his home country throughout his career, including youth competitions, the Caribbean World Series, and the World Baseball Classic. With baseball returning to the Olympics, an opportunity to represent the country one last time would be a dream come true for him.

“If I can accomplish those four, that’s like the grand slam of representing Mexico,” he said. “That is the only reason I have not retired yet.”

If he winds up making the Mexican Olympic team, the expectation is that Gonzalez will retire at the tournament’s conclusion. If so, the 15-year MLB vet will go down as one of the greatest players of Mexican descent.

Dodgers Career

Gonzalez played for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2012-2017, coming over in one of the biggest blockbusters in Dodgers history. In many ways, the current Dodgers powerhouse began when Gonzalez joined the team, thanks in no small part to his veteran leadership and calming presence on and off the field.

He hit a total of 101 home runs while driving in 448 runs during his 5+ years with the Dodgers, and he will always be remembered fondly in LA.

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