Spring longshots who hit it big

Updated: April 13, 2004, 10:27 AM ET
By Jerry Crasnick | ESPN Insider
If you're like us, you have no trouble distinguishing between the two Luis Gonzalezes. Arizona's Luis Gonzalez once hit 57 homers, drove in the winning run in the 2001 World Series and is the father of triplets. Colorado's Luis Gonzalez ... well ... he's not that guy.

The two Abraham Nunezes are tougher to keep straight. Pittsburgh's Abraham Nunez is 28 years old, plays second base and comes from the Dominican Republic. Florida's Abraham Nunez is 27, plays the outfield and comes from the Dominican Republic. Best of luck with that one.

Several other players who cracked Opening Day rosters were considered longshots or afterthoughts at the start of spring training. Some of their stories are offbeat, while others qualify as inspirational. With apologies to MIT grad-turned-Padres reliever Jason Szuminski, who's already received plenty of press, here are 10 that caught our attention:


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Jerry Crasnick | email

ESPN.com MLB Sr. Writer
  • ESPN.com senior writer
  • Author of "License to Deal"
  • Former Denver Post national baseball writer

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