Juan Uribe
Encyclopedia
Juan C. Uribe Tena is a Dominican Republic
professional baseball infielder
for the Los Angeles Dodgers
of Major League Baseball
. He began his career in 1997 when he was signed to the Colorado Rockies
, and played with the team until December 3, 2003 when he was traded to the Chicago White Sox
. While Uribe was with the White Sox, the team won the 2005 World Series
against the Houston Astros
. In 2009, he was signed to a minor league contract with the Giants with whom he won another ring in the 2010 World Series
.
in 1997. He started playing in the Dominican Summer League
for the DSL Rockies. In 1998 and 1999, he played in the Rookie Class Arizona Rookie League and the Single-A Asheville in the South Atlantic League
. While in single-A, he batted .392 with 28 doubles and a 15 game hitting streak.
He remained in Single-A until 2001, when he was called up by the Rockies.
and Juan Pierre
. He was called back to AAA Colorado Springs three times over the season, but played most of the end of the season in the majors. He tied 3 other franchise records, with two hits, two extra base hits, and six total bases in a single inning during an October 7 game against the San Diego Padres
.
by the Colorado Rockies
on December 2, 2003 for Aaron Miles
. A former top prospect in Colorado, he played shortstop, second base and even some third base for the Sox in his first season. He eventually replaced José Valentín
at shortstop because of Valentin's erratic defense, allowing Valentin to depart as a free agent.
, first catching a ball while crashing into the third base stands and then making an off-balance throw on a slow grounder to beat Astro
Orlando Palmeiro
to give the White Sox
their first title in 88 years.
with a .977 fielding percentage.
, after the White Sox acquired all-star shortstop Orlando Cabrera
from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
.
n infielder
Alexei Ramírez
. However, after Joe Crede
was injured Uribe began to make some starts at third base
. On October 30, Uribe filed for free agency.
It was announced on April 4, that Uribe had made the Giants final roster.
On Friday July 10, Uribe bobbled a ground ball with one out in the 8th inning of Jonathan Sánchez
's no-hitter
, allowing Chase Headley
to reach 1st base. The effort had been perfect up to that point, and Sánchez went on to retire each of the remaining 5 batters, meaning this error lost the first perfect game since Randy Johnson
's in 2004. This was the first no-hit, no-walk, no–hit batsman game that was not also a perfect game since 1990.
On December 30, 2009, Uribe agreed to a one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants
for an undisclosed sum pending a physical, with an option for 2011 to return.
, making his deal official. The terms of the deal were reported to be one year for $3.25 million.
On September 23, 2010 Uribe hit two homeruns in in the one inning against the Chicago Cubs including a grand slam for a total of 6 RBI.
He finished the season batting .256 with 24 home runs and 85 runs batted in. He had 129 hits on the year in 521 at bat
s, bringing his career hit total above the 1,000 mark. Uribe had one stolen base
on the season and was caught stealing
twice. He had 24 doubles
and 2 triples
. In the 2010 National League Championship Series
, Uribe played a key role in two victories, getting the walk-off sacrifice fly
in Game 4 and hitting the go ahead home run in the top of the 8th to put the Giants up 3-2 in Game 6, which sent the Giants to the 2010 World Series
.
Uribe played a vital role for the Giants in the 2010 World Series
, hitting a 3-run home run in the sixth inning of Game 1 and producing an RBI in the seventh inning of Game 2.
The Giants won the series in five games, and Uribe earned his second World Series championship.
. His first season with the Dodgers was disappointing as he made several lengthy trips to the disabled list and only managed to appear in 77 games, his fewest since 2001. His production was also the weakest of his career, hitting just .204, with just 4 home runs and 28 RBI. He was shut down on July 30, with what was described as andominal pain. He was expected to return when the 15-days were up but it did not get better and was re characterized as a sports hernia, needing surgery, ending his season.
, Dominican Republic
, Uribe has a wife, Ana, and three children: Juan Luis, Juanny, and Janny. Uribe plays winter baseball in the Dominican Republic every year and has also done work for many different charity organizations affiliated with Major League Baseball. On Mother's Day
2007, he used a pink bat
along with 200 other players in Major League Baseball to help Susan G. Komen for the Cure
. Uribe is a second cousin of the late former major league shortstop José Uribe
.
. Despite claims from a district attorney
that there was no firm evidence that Uribe was involved in the incident, a judge decided to press forward with the case. Although a defense motion to bar him from leaving the country was rejected, it was ruled on January 5, 2007, that Uribe must appear before a court on the 15 and the 30 of every month until the case is resolved. Uribe, who had denied any involvement in the case, had suggested that he may not play baseball until the legal proceedings are concluded. He was confident that he would win in court and would be free for spring training. It was reported on February 22, 2007, on SportsCenter
that Uribe would no longer have to appear in court on those dates. The following day his name was cleared of any involvement with the shooting. It was not publicly disclosed what events had taken place.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
professional baseball infielder
Infielder
An infielder is a baseball player stationed at one of four defensive "infield" positions on the baseball field.-Standard arrangement of positions:In a game of baseball, two teams of nine players take turns playing offensive and defensive roles...
for the Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
of Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
. He began his career in 1997 when he was signed to the Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
, and played with the team until December 3, 2003 when he was traded to the Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
. While Uribe was with the White Sox, the team won the 2005 World Series
2005 World Series
The 2005 World Series, the 101st Major League Baseball championship series, saw the American League champion Chicago White Sox sweep the National League champion Houston Astros four games to none in the best-of-seven-games series, winning their third championship and first since 1917.Home-field...
against the Houston Astros
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
. In 2009, he was signed to a minor league contract with the Giants with whom he won another ring in the 2010 World Series
2010 World Series
The 2010 World Series was the 106th occurrence of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff, played between the American League champion Texas Rangers and the National League champion San Francisco Giants, began on Wednesday, , and ended on Monday, , with the Giants...
.
Minor league career
Uribe was signed as an amateur free agent by the Colorado RockiesColorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
in 1997. He started playing in the Dominican Summer League
Dominican Summer League
The Dominican Summer League is a branch of affiliated minor league baseball which is played in the Dominican Republic. The league was founded in 1985. The 2011 72-game season begins May 28 and ends August 20...
for the DSL Rockies. In 1998 and 1999, he played in the Rookie Class Arizona Rookie League and the Single-A Asheville in the South Atlantic League
South Atlantic League
The South Atlantic League is a minor league baseball league based chiefly in the Southeastern United States, with the exception of three teams in the Mid-Atlantic States...
. While in single-A, he batted .392 with 28 doubles and a 15 game hitting streak.
He remained in Single-A until 2001, when he was called up by the Rockies.
Rookie season
Uribe played 72 games for the Rockies in his rookie season of 2001. He batted .300, had 8 home runs, and 53 RBI. He also had 11 triples, tying a club record held by Neifi PerezNeifi Pérez
Neifi Neftali Pérez is a Major League baseball player who most recently played for the Detroit Tigers. He played with the Colorado Rockies , Kansas City Royals , San Francisco Giants , and the Chicago Cubs...
and Juan Pierre
Juan Pierre
Juan D'Vaughn Pierre is an outfielder in Major League Baseball who is currently a free agent. He bats and throws left-handed....
. He was called back to AAA Colorado Springs three times over the season, but played most of the end of the season in the majors. He tied 3 other franchise records, with two hits, two extra base hits, and six total bases in a single inning during an October 7 game against the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
.
2002-2003
Uribe played his first full season in the majors for the Rockies in 2002. He started 150 games at shortstop, with a .240 average, 6 home runs, 49 RBI, and 25 doubles. He had a 17 game hitting streak over the months of April and May, a career high. Juan also tied a career high in hits in a game with 4 on September 17 in a game against the Los Angeles Angels, and missed hitting for the cycle by a home run. In 2003, Juan was limited in playing time due to an injury suffered when he was rounding the bases during a spring training game on March 1. He rehabbed in the minors, playing for both Class A and AA before playing in the majors again on June 3. He also began to fill in in the outfield for the Rockies, starting at center field on June 15. Uribe was traded to the Chicago White SoxChicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
by the Colorado Rockies
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains...
on December 2, 2003 for Aaron Miles
Aaron Miles
Aaron Wade Miles is a Major League Baseball infielder who is currently a free agent.-Houston Astros:Miles was originally drafted by the Houston Astros in the 19th round of the 1995 amateur draft...
. A former top prospect in Colorado, he played shortstop, second base and even some third base for the Sox in his first season. He eventually replaced José Valentín
José Valentín
José Antonio Valentín is a former Major League Baseball infielder, who played with the Milwaukee Brewers , Chicago White Sox , Los Angeles Dodgers , and New York Mets .-Early years:...
at shortstop because of Valentin's erratic defense, allowing Valentin to depart as a free agent.
2004
In the 2004 season, he started in 134 games for the White Sox. He set many career highs in almost all of the batting categories, having a career high in bases loaded average, RISP average, batting average, home runs, RBI, fielding percentage, hits, and runs. He played much better at home, batting .315 compared to .248 on the road. On December 16, he agreed to a contract extension through 2008 with the White Sox.2005: World Series
In the 2005 season, Uribe spent the entire season playing shortstop for the White Sox, after making starts at second base, shortstop, third base, and center field in the last two seasons. Uribe made two memorable defensive plays for the final two outs of the 2005 World Series2005 World Series
The 2005 World Series, the 101st Major League Baseball championship series, saw the American League champion Chicago White Sox sweep the National League champion Houston Astros four games to none in the best-of-seven-games series, winning their third championship and first since 1917.Home-field...
, first catching a ball while crashing into the third base stands and then making an off-balance throw on a slow grounder to beat Astro
Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field...
Orlando Palmeiro
Orlando Palmeiro
Orlando Palmeiro is a former Major League Baseball outfielder. He attended high school at Miami Southridge High School and played college baseball at the University of Miami....
to give the White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...
their first title in 88 years.
2006
Uribe had one of his best power seasons in 2006, batting .235 with 21 home runs and 71 RBI playing 132 games with the White Sox, but with the lowest on-base-percentage of his career, at .257. He led the White Sox in sacrifice hits, and ranked fourth in the American LeagueAmerican League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
with a .977 fielding percentage.
2007
On November 7, 2007, Uribe agreed to a one-year extension with the White Sox, keeping him in the organization until 2009, though other teams expressed interest in a trade, such as the Tampa Bay Devil RaysTampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...
, after the White Sox acquired all-star shortstop Orlando Cabrera
Orlando Cabrera
Orlando Luis Cabrera, nicknamed "O-Cab" and "The OC", is a Colombian-American baseball infielder.He won a World Series championship in 2004 with the Boston Red Sox. He has played for the Montreal Expos, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, Minnesota Twins,...
from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
.
2008
Early in the season, Uribe lost his spot in the White Sox starting lineup to newly-signed CubaCuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
n infielder
Infielder
An infielder is a baseball player stationed at one of four defensive "infield" positions on the baseball field.-Standard arrangement of positions:In a game of baseball, two teams of nine players take turns playing offensive and defensive roles...
Alexei Ramírez
Alexei Ramírez
Alexei Fernando Ramírez is a Major League Baseball second baseman and shortstop for the Chicago White Sox...
. However, after Joe Crede
Joe Crede
Joseph Taylor Crede is a Major League Baseball third baseman who is currently a free agent. Crede attended high school at Fatima High School in Westphalia, Missouri which he led to 3 district championships and two final four berths as a pitcher...
was injured Uribe began to make some starts at third base
Third Base
is a 1978 Japanese film directed by Yōichi Higashi.-External links:...
. On October 30, Uribe filed for free agency.
2009
On January 29, , Uribe signed a minor league deal with the San Francisco Giants.It was announced on April 4, that Uribe had made the Giants final roster.
On Friday July 10, Uribe bobbled a ground ball with one out in the 8th inning of Jonathan Sánchez
Jonathan Sanchez
Jonathan O. Sánchez is a Puerto Rican Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Kansas City Royals....
's no-hitter
No-hitter
A no-hitter is a baseball game in which one team has no hits. In Major League Baseball, the team must be without hits during the entire game, and the game must be at least nine innings. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is said to have "thrown a no-hitter"...
, allowing Chase Headley
Chase Headley
Chase Jordan Headley is a major league baseball player currently playing for the San Diego Padres. He plays third base, and formerly played left field. He is a switch-hitter...
to reach 1st base. The effort had been perfect up to that point, and Sánchez went on to retire each of the remaining 5 batters, meaning this error lost the first perfect game since Randy Johnson
Randy Johnson
Randall David Johnson , nicknamed "The Big Unit", is a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher. During a 22-year career, he pitched for six different teams....
's in 2004. This was the first no-hit, no-walk, no–hit batsman game that was not also a perfect game since 1990.
On December 30, 2009, Uribe agreed to a one-year contract with the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
for an undisclosed sum pending a physical, with an option for 2011 to return.
2010
On January 4, 2010, Uribe passed his physical with the San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
, making his deal official. The terms of the deal were reported to be one year for $3.25 million.
On September 23, 2010 Uribe hit two homeruns in in the one inning against the Chicago Cubs including a grand slam for a total of 6 RBI.
He finished the season batting .256 with 24 home runs and 85 runs batted in. He had 129 hits on the year in 521 at bat
At bat
In baseball, an at bat or time at bat is used to calculate certain statistics, including batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage. It is a more restricted definition of a plate appearance...
s, bringing his career hit total above the 1,000 mark. Uribe had one stolen base
Stolen base
In baseball, a stolen base occurs when a baserunner successfully advances to the next base while the pitcher is delivering the ball to home plate...
on the season and was caught stealing
Caught stealing
In baseball, a runner is charged, and the fielders involved are credited, with a time caught stealing when the runner attempts to advance or lead off from one base to another without the ball being batted and then is tagged out by a fielder while making the attempt...
twice. He had 24 doubles
Double (baseball)
In baseball, a double is the act of a batter striking the pitched ball and safely reaching second base without being called out by the umpire, without the benefit of a fielder's misplay or another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
and 2 triples
Triple (baseball)
In baseball, a triple is the act of a batter safely reaching third base after hitting the ball, with neither the benefit of a fielder's misplay nor another runner being put out on a fielder's choice....
. In the 2010 National League Championship Series
2010 National League Championship Series
-Game 1:Saturday, October 16, 2010 — 7:30 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaIn one of the most touted postseason pitching matchups in recent history, two former Cy Young Award winners faced off: Roy Halladay for the Phillies and Tim Lincecum for the Giants...
, Uribe played a key role in two victories, getting the walk-off sacrifice fly
Sacrifice fly
In baseball, a sacrifice fly is a batted ball that satisfies four criteria:* There are fewer than two outs when the ball is hit.* The ball is hit to the outfield....
in Game 4 and hitting the go ahead home run in the top of the 8th to put the Giants up 3-2 in Game 6, which sent the Giants to the 2010 World Series
2010 World Series
The 2010 World Series was the 106th occurrence of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff, played between the American League champion Texas Rangers and the National League champion San Francisco Giants, began on Wednesday, , and ended on Monday, , with the Giants...
.
Uribe played a vital role for the Giants in the 2010 World Series
2010 World Series
The 2010 World Series was the 106th occurrence of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff, played between the American League champion Texas Rangers and the National League champion San Francisco Giants, began on Wednesday, , and ended on Monday, , with the Giants...
, hitting a 3-run home run in the sixth inning of Game 1 and producing an RBI in the seventh inning of Game 2.
The Giants won the series in five games, and Uribe earned his second World Series championship.
Los Angeles Dodgers
After the 2010 season, Uribe reached an agreement on a three-year contract with the Los Angeles DodgersLos Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers are a professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers are members of Major League Baseball's National League West Division. Established in 1883, the team originated in Brooklyn, New York, where it was known by a number of nicknames before becoming...
. His first season with the Dodgers was disappointing as he made several lengthy trips to the disabled list and only managed to appear in 77 games, his fewest since 2001. His production was also the weakest of his career, hitting just .204, with just 4 home runs and 28 RBI. He was shut down on July 30, with what was described as andominal pain. He was expected to return when the 15-days were up but it did not get better and was re characterized as a sports hernia, needing surgery, ending his season.
Personal life
Born in BaníBaní
Baní is a capital town of the Peravia Province, Dominican Republic. It is the commercial and manufacturing center in a region producing bananas and coffee.- Overview :...
, Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
, Uribe has a wife, Ana, and three children: Juan Luis, Juanny, and Janny. Uribe plays winter baseball in the Dominican Republic every year and has also done work for many different charity organizations affiliated with Major League Baseball. On Mother's Day
Mother's Day
Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated on various days in many parts of the world, yet most commonly in March, April, or May...
2007, he used a pink bat
Pink bat
In baseball, pink bats are limited-supply baseball bats manufactured by Louisville Slugger for use by select Major League Baseball players on Mother's Day, first introduced in 2006 in association with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization...
along with 200 other players in Major League Baseball to help Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, formerly known as The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, often referred to as simply Komen, is the most widely known, largest and best-funded breast cancer organization in the US....
. Uribe is a second cousin of the late former major league shortstop José Uribe
Jose Uribe
José Altagracia González Uribe was a Dominican Major League Baseball shortstop from until . Most of his ten-year career was spent with the San Francisco Giants...
.
2006 shooting allegations
In October 2006, Uribe was alleged to have been involved in a shooting in his native Dominican RepublicDominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
. Despite claims from a district attorney
District attorney
In many jurisdictions in the United States, a District Attorney is an elected or appointed government official who represents the government in the prosecution of criminal offenses. The district attorney is the highest officeholder in the jurisdiction's legal department and supervises a staff of...
that there was no firm evidence that Uribe was involved in the incident, a judge decided to press forward with the case. Although a defense motion to bar him from leaving the country was rejected, it was ruled on January 5, 2007, that Uribe must appear before a court on the 15 and the 30 of every month until the case is resolved. Uribe, who had denied any involvement in the case, had suggested that he may not play baseball until the legal proceedings are concluded. He was confident that he would win in court and would be free for spring training. It was reported on February 22, 2007, on SportsCenter
SportsCenter
SportsCenter is a daily sports news television show, and the flagship program of American cable network ESPN since the network launched on September 7, 1979. Originally broadcast only daily, SportsCenter is now shown up to twelve times a day, replaying the day's scores and highlights from major...
that Uribe would no longer have to appear in court on those dates. The following day his name was cleared of any involvement with the shooting. It was not publicly disclosed what events had taken place.