Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez was elected into the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame in September, becoming the 39th player to receive the honor. Prior to Gonzalez, the last player with Dodgers ties to receive the honor was Carl Crawford in 2014.
Along with Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen, Chase Utley was inducted in August 2015, though the announcement came prior to the veteran infielder getting traded to the Dodgers.
Gonzalez and Utley each received a trophy, had their numbers retired and got a glimpse at their respective plaques that will hang in the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame, which is located inside Scottsdale Stadium.
The fall prior to making his Major League debut with the Texas Rangers in 2004, Gonzalez played for the Peoria Saguaros.
He reflected fondly on time spent in the AFL, via William Boor of MLB.com:
“My time here was fun,” Gonzalez said. “I remember it was the first time ever in Phoenix for my wife and I, and we didn’t know what to expect. Being around guys from other organizations, it was a good time, I got to meet some really good players and the competition was great. It definitely helped develop for the next year when I got to the big leagues.”
Utley echoed a similar sentiment in discussing his experience in the Fall League:
“Obviously it’s a great honor,” Utley said. “So many great players come through this league. I remember playing here, it was a lot of fun, not just the baseball side of it, but meeting the players, other teams’ best players, and building relationships that you have your entire career.”
Gonzalez is a five-time All-Star, and has won a Silver Slugger Award and at least one Gold Glove in each league. The No. 1 overall pick from the 2000 Draft made his mark in the Majors with the San Diego Padres, batting .288/.374/.514 with 161 home runs and 501 RBI in 799 games over five seasons.
Gonzalez has hit .283/.344/.463 with 147 doubles, 98 home runs and 418 RBI since joining the Dodgers in August 2012.
Utley has been teammates with Gonzalez on the Dodgers’ past two National League West-winning teams. Utley, who is currently a free agent, hit .242/.313/.390 in 172 games during that span, all the while providing leadership on and off the field.
The 37-year-old infielder is a six-time All-Star and has won four Silver Slugger Awards.
