He played park league baseball in Lakewood for Mike Fahey. After playing baseball at Lakewood High School in Lakewood, California Gomez originally went to college at Loyola Marymount University, but transferred to Long Beach State and played baseball there in 1992. He was a selection for the All-America Team while at Long Beach State.\n', '

Gomez was originally drafted by the California Angels in 1989 in the 37th round of the amateur draft, but he turned down the contract. He was not drafted until June 1, 1992, when he was signed by Detroit in the 3rd round of the amateur draft. His contract was purchased from the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens on July 19, 1993, and he made his big league debut that night against the Minnesota Twins. His first major league hit was a triple on July 22 off Kansas City Royals pitcher Frank DiPino. He started in 23 games at shortstop and 17 at second base that year. After the season, Tigers news broadcasters elected him the Rookie of the Year.\n', '

1994 was Gomez\' first full major league season. He was on the Topps All-Rookie team at shortstop. 27 of his 76 hits were extra base hits. His first multi-homer game was on May 7 against the Mariners. Gomez finished the year with a .257 batting average, 8 home runs, and 53 RBI. In 1995, Gomez hit career highs in home runs with 11, runs with 49, hits with 96, doubles with 20, as well as 41 walks. He ranked 4th on the team in RBI, hits, and doubles. In 123 games, Gomez only made 15 errors.\n', '

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