masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe newest addition to the Orioles’ roster met the Baltimore media at his introductory press conference this afternoon. You can check out video from the presser by clicking here to visit the MASNsports.com Media Lounge.

But here’s your chance to get to know the newest Oriole: Mike Vela Gonzalez…

Born: May 23, 1978

High School: Graduated from Harvest Christian Academy in Pasadena, Texas in 1996

College: One year at San Jacinto Junior College in Houston, Texas

Resides: Deer Park,…The newest addition to the Orioles’ roster met the Baltimore media at his introductory press conference this afternoon. You can check out video from the presser by clicking here to visit the MASNsports.com Media Lounge.

But here’s your chance to get to know the newest Oriole: Mike Vela Gonzalez…

Born: May 23, 1978

High School: Graduated from Harvest Christian Academy in Pasadena, Texas in 1996

Mike-Gonzalez_Press-Conference.jpg

College: One year at San Jacinto Junior College in Houston, Texas

Resides: Deer Park, Texas

Height: 6’2″

Weight: 215

Bats: Right

Throws: Left

Drafted By: The Pirates – Twice

-He was first drafted by the Pirates in the 17th round of the 1996 First-Year Player Draft, but did not sign.

-He was then drafted again by the Pirates in the 30th round of the 1997 First-Year Player Draft and signed in June of that year.

Major League Debut: August 11, 2003

Team History: Gonzalez spent four years in Pittsburgh, with the exception of a little more than a week during July of 2003 when he was traded to the Red Sox, who turned around and traded him back to the Pirates nine days later. He was then traded with Brent Lillibridge to the Atlanta Braves for Jamie Romak in January of 2007, his last stop before coming to Baltimore.

Career Stats: Courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com

Get to know Gonzalez: April Q&A with Mike Gonzalez from the Atlanta-Journal Constitution