Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.”  Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots.  She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.

November 4, 2001. It was Game 7 of the World Series, as Arizona Diamondback Luis Gonzalez approached the plate to face Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees.

The score was tied, bases loaded, and bottom of the ninth.

After a deep breath, our Gonzo told himself to “choke up,” and that’s when he hit the game-winning “bloop” single, and the crowd went wild.

The Tampa, Florida native is one of just 17 players in baseball history to record at least 2,500 hits, 500 doubles, 350 home runs, and 1,000 RBIs in a career.

He played America’s favorite pastime for 19 years, spending 8 with the D-Backs, and during his time in the desert, our guy scored all-time franchise records, leaving him with quite a resume.

Last season, the D-Backs retired our talented No. 20, but Gonzo is still in baseball bliss, serving as a Special Assistant to Derrick Hall, President and CEO of the Diamondbacks.

“You lose a little bit of that competitive edge, but it’s fun because you get to see the other side of the game and meet a lot of interesting people,” said Luis Gonzalez.

This year Gonzo is taking on an additional role.  He is serving as the 2011 Major League All-Star Ambassador, because that big game is coming to Chase Field July 12.

”It gives me an opportunity to represent the city and the state.  It’s a unique opportunity to have.”