Player Spotlight: Third Baseman, Ruben Gotay
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Ruben Gotay was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 31st round of the 2000 amateur draft out of Indian Hills Community College-Centerville. He spent five and a half season in their farm system before being traded to the New York Mets July 19, 2006.
After a month of playing for the New Orleans Zephyrs in 2007, Gotay was called up to the big leagues where he spent the rest of the season predominantly as a second baseman. He played in 98 games with a .295 average (56Hx190AB), 25 runs, 24 RBI, 16 walks and 42 strikeouts.
He was then selected off waivers by the Atlanta Braves March 28, 2008, spending all year in the majors. Making only a three day trip to the triple-A Richmond Braves before being sent back to Atlanta.
Last year, Gotay spent the whole season with the Reno Aces, the Arizona Diamondbacks triple-A affiliate. He hit .272 with 11 home runs with a .429 OBP, compiling more walks (102) than hits (101).
This year he joins the Memphis Redbirds for the first time in his career. Gotay leads the ‘Birds in games (128), walks (88) and strikeouts (107). He has been relied upon as a third baseman while with Memphis, tying Donovan Solano with most errors on the team at 18.
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Full Name: Ruben Bruce Gotay
Nicknames: GoGo
Hometown: Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Favorite baseball player of all time: Roberto Alomar
What is your best moment on the diamond? When I got my first base-hit in the big leagues.
What team did you watch growing up?Atlanta Braves and New York Mets
If you weren’t in baseball, what would you be doing? Physical Education teacher
Where do you see yourself in 25 years? With kids, on the beach, just hanging out.
Favorite food: Lasagna
Favorite movie: Major League
I’m afraid of…nothing.
Favorite TV Show: Fresh Prince of Bel Air
Song that gets you pumped up: “Yeah” by Usher
Most embarrassing moment while playing baseball: I was playing second base and there was a pop up and I lost it. It ended up landing right behind my head, I almost got hit!
Favorite play in a baseball game: I have two, a walk-off home run and an ending inning double play.
Who is your greatest influence? My dad
What is your favorite off-day activity? Doing nothing
Do you have any autographs? Yes, one of the ones that I really appreciate is Derek Jeter’s. I got it when I played against the Yankees.
What is the most difficult part about playing professional baseball? Being away from your family and not being able to spend time with them.
What do you like best about the city of Memphis? Mud Island
Any broken bone stories? It wasn’t a broken bone, but it was close…I was playing during spring training in 2008 and I ended up with a really bad sprained ankle.
If you were a kid would you rather be the one in Rookie of the Year, Angels in the Outfield or Little Big League? Rookie of the Year
What is your favorite thing about being a Redbird? Coming to the field and showing the fans what we can do.
Lightning Round Responses
Dogs or Cats
Summer or Winter
Fruits or Vegetables
Movies or Books
Offense or Defense
Ketchup or Mustard
Sunflower Seeds or Bubble Gum BOTH!
Have the ability to fly or read people’s minds
Be able to stop time while you slept or never have to do laundry
Chirp Chatter 