Ricky Gutierrez, a professional baseball player, spent over a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a shortstop and second baseman. Born on May 23, 1970, in Miami, Florida, Gutierrez was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round of the 1988 MLB Draft. However, he made his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres on April 13, 1993, after being traded to the team in 1992.
Gutierrez's early years in the league were marked by his defensive skills and versatility in the infield. During his time with the Padres, he played primarily as a shortstop, showcasing his ability to handle the demands of the position. In 1994, he was traded to the Houston Astros, where he would spend a significant portion of his career.
With the Astros, Gutierrez became known for his steady presence on the field. He played alongside stars like Jeff Bagwell and Craig Biggio, contributing to the team's competitive edge in the National League Central Division. His best season with the Astros came in 2000 when he achieved a career-high batting average of .273 and drove in 66 runs. That year, he also hit nine home runs, demonstrating his capability to contribute offensively.
In 2001, Gutierrez signed with the Chicago Cubs as a free agent. His tenure with the Cubs was highlighted by his role as a reliable infielder, often playing second base. He was part of the Cubs' roster during the 2001 season, which saw the team finish third in the National League Central. Gutierrez's experience and defensive skills were valuable assets to the Cubs during his time there.
After his stint with the Cubs, Gutierrez played for the Cleveland Indians and the New York Mets. His time with these teams was shorter, but he continued to provide depth and experience to their infield rotations. In 2004, Gutierrez's playing career came to an end after a brief period with the Boston Red Sox, although he did not appear in any games for the team.
Throughout his MLB career, Ricky Gutierrez was known for his defensive capabilities and his ability to play multiple infield positions.
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