Adrian Gonzalez returns to San Diego

SAN DIEGO – Adrian Gonzalez was back in his hometown, about to play in the ballpark where he established himself as an All-Star-caliber player.

The Dodgers’ game against the San Diego Padres on Tuesday marks the first time Gonzalez will play at Petco Park since he was traded to the Boston Red Sox before the 2011 season.

Gonzalez played with the Padres from 2006-2010.

Gonzalez acknowledged the homecoming is special to him.

“I was born here,” he said. “I grew up here. There’s definitely a lot more connections.”

He said he was doing what he could to keep his emotions under control.

“This is me trying to keep it all bottled in here,” he said.

Pointing at his head with both index fingers, Gonzalez, said, “Right here is ‘Win, win, win, win, win, get a couple of big hits and win.’”

Then Gonzalez put his hands to his chest and said, “Right here it’s like …” while gesturing as if he was trying to hold something in.

“Because of the series, where we’re at and what we need to do,” he said.

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