BELLEVUE, Neb. -- Former Bellevue University catcher Osvaldo Gonzalez (Miami, Fla.) signed a professional contract with the Florence Freedom of the independent Frontier League.
Gonzalez - a 2015 first team NAIA All-American, MCAC Player of the Year, first team all-MCAC, and MCAC Gold Glove Team - was named NAIA National Player of the Week on Apr. 7 and twice named as the MCAC Player of the Week (Mar. 30, Apr. 6).
In three games (two at catcher, one at DH) with the Freedom Gonzalez has shown great plate discipline, earning five walks and a hit by pitch while posting a .500 on-base percentage. He has a pair of hits in nine official at-bats (.222), one stolen base, and has driven in a pair of runs.
Gonzalez slashed .418/.508/.779 (AVG/OBP/SLG) while starting all 61 games for Bellevue, splitting time between catcher and DH. He tallied 45 extra-base hits including an NAIA-leading 29 doubles and 16 home runs which ranked seventh nationally. Gonzalez ranked third in total bases with 166 and sixth in slugging percentage.
The Bruins finished the season ranked No. 16 in the NAIA with a 46-15 overall record and an 18-6 mark in the MCAC while winning the MCAC Tournament Championship and hosting the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round.
