PITTSBURGH — They are saying greatness could be thrust upon you. For Nick Gonzales, that got here by way of a jersey quantity.
The Pirates’ second baseman hasn’t been too choosy with numbers in his profession. He didn’t know if he was going to see the sector as a freshman walk-on in school, so he simply took no matter quantity was out there. When he was known as as much as the Majors in June 2023, he noticed his identify proper above the quantity 39 and simply rolled with it.
“On the time, I didn’t know the significance of that quantity,” Gonzales stated. “On the time, I’m simply excited to debut. I’m probably not fascinated by what quantity I’m.”
Gonzales has worn that 39 jersey for all three of his seasons within the large leagues, however that’s seemingly coming to an finish. In Pittsburgh, that quantity is finest related to Dave Parker, the MVP and Corridor of Famer who will likely be inducted into Cooperstown this weekend.
Parker handed away on June 28 after a protracted and public battle with Parkinson’s illness. After the sport that day, Gonzales commented that he ought to get a brand new quantity.
Roughly a month later, he feels the identical approach.
“I undoubtedly really feel that if a quantity is obtainable, then I’ll change it,” Gonzales stated Friday whereas sporting the ‘If you happen to hear any noise, it’s simply me and boys boppin’ T-shirt.
“Logistically, I don’t know if I can change that in the midst of a season. However I’m undoubtedly within the technique of attempting to make that occur.”
Gonzales has a pair numbers in thoughts which are presently held by different gamers on the 40-man roster, so a swap isn’t that straightforward. He can’t change to his previous quantity from New Mexico State both. He wore 21 in school, which may be very a lot out of fee in Pittsburgh.
However whether or not it’s sooner or later this yr or in 2026, Gonzales is planning on suiting up with a brand new quantity.
“It’s not that the quantity isn’t retired due to me,” Gonzales stated. “However I gained’t be sporting it anymore, so no one else will.”
The Pirates would not have any rapid plans to retire Parker’s quantity, however they’re paying homage to the Cobra. On Friday, each Pirates jersey adorned a patch in honor of Parker, which can keep by way of the remainder of the season. The identical Cobra emblem because the patch was displayed on the appropriate discipline video wall and was painted on the sector behind residence plate. A fan messaging wall is on show this weekend to put in writing messages to the Parker household. On Sunday, a brand new everlasting baseball show will likely be added to the riverwalk outdoors of the stadium, alongside 23 different Corridor of Famers with Pittsburgh baseball ties.
Gonzales is hardly the primary participant to put on No. 39 for the Pirates since Parker performed both. He wasn’t even the primary Pirate to put on that quantity in his debut season in 2023 (that was Drew Maggi). Parker’s final season with the Pirates was in 1983, and 39 was again in circulation by 1984, being worn by outfielder Mitchell Web page. Different notable gamers who’ve worn 39 in Pittsburgh for a number of seasons embrace Jason Grilli, Chad Kuhl and John Grabow.
However even when the quantity isn’t retired, Gonzales can select to vary his quantity to pay tribute to the person.
“If you happen to’re within the Corridor of Fame, I shouldn’t be sporting your quantity,” Gonzales stated. “… What a ballplayer, and what he means to the Pittsburgh group is fairly cool. He did numerous cool issues when he was right here. I put on his quantity and have numerous satisfaction, numerous honor to get to try this.”
