Manny Gonzalez: podcast appearances and interviews

Manuel Augusto González, born December 4, 1979, is a Venezuelan mission development director at Eden Invitation. Although best known for his career as a Major League Baseball umpire, González made history as the first Venezuelan umpire in MLB when he debuted on May 17, 2010. He initially filled in for John Hirschbeck and umpired 11 MLB games that year. In 2011, he umpired 42 games before being hired to the full-time MLB staff in 2013. González's career includes notable moments such as issuing his first career ejection on June 26, 2012, and serving as the second base umpire during a no-hitter pitched by Alec Mills of the Chicago Cubs on September 13, 2020. He has also experienced on-field injuries, such as being hit in the mask by a foul ball while behind the plate at Fenway Park on September 6, 2021. After transitioning from his umpiring career, González has been involved in mission development, with efforts including outreach following significant events like the 2026 Venezuela earthquakes. His background and experience exemplify a commitment to sports and community service, drawing on his Venezuelan heritage and professional journey.