Juan Gonzalez TTM Success (x2)

Over the weekend on one of the TTM Facebook groups I follow, someone asked what players you have sent to and – despite others’ success – have never gotten back. My answer was an easy one: Juan Gonzalez. I’ve gritted my teeth in jealously many times as I’ve seen others share their “Juan Gone” successes.

I have tried no less than four times over the years, and low and behold… success²

Sent: 3/9/2019 | Received: 4/28/2020 | 416 days
3/3: 1992 Topps, 1991 Leaf, 1994 Topps
Address: Home (Vega Baja, PR) from SportsCollectors.Net

Sent: 4/15/2020 | Received: 4/28/2020 | 13 days
3/3: 2000 Fleer Ultra, 2014 Gypsy Queen [Mini], 1998 Fleer Sports Illustrated
Address: Home (Vega Baja, PR) from SportsCollectors.Net

I’d typically feel guilty about double-dipping – if we over send to these guys, we’ll lose them – but I did wait more than a year between sends.

I think we may forget just how good Juan Gonzalez was. He was a premier run producer in the 1990s.

Gonzalez hit over 40 home runs five times and amassed at least 100 RBIs eight times. He averaged 
42 home runs and 135 RBI per 162 games. He also hit .310 or better in five seasons.

Over 17 years, he slugged 434 homers while carrying a .295/.343,.561 slash line.

He was a three-time All-Star (1993, 1998, 2001), a two-time A.L. MVP (1996, 1998), and a six-time Silver Slugger (1992, 1993, 1996-98, 2001). He led the A.L. in homers twice (1992, 1993) and RBI once (1998).

Maybe we forgot, or maybe we associate him steroid allegations. Gonzalez was one of several players Jose Canseco outed in his notorious book Juiced. He was also mentioned in the Mitchell Report.

Gonzalez has maintained over the years that he has never taken steroids.