César Gutiérrez, Venezuelan baseball player and manager (d. 2005)
César Gutiérrez: A Venezuelan Baseball Pioneer and Holder of a Rare MLB Record
César Dario Gutiérrez [goo-te-er'-rez] (January 26, 1943 – January 22, 2005), affectionately known by his nickname "Cocoa," was a distinguished Venezuelan professional baseball player whose relatively brief Major League Baseball (MLB) career left an indelible mark on the sport's historical records. Born in Coro, Venezuela, Gutiérrez brought his talents as a right-handed hitting and throwing shortstop to the highest level of professional baseball, embodying the growing international presence in MLB during his era.
Major League Baseball Journey: Giants and Tigers
Gutiérrez’s journey in Major League Baseball spanned five seasons, primarily as a dependable shortstop, a crucial defensive position demanding agility, quick reflexes, and strong throwing accuracy. His MLB tenure included stints with two prominent franchises:
- San Francisco Giants: Gutiérrez made his Major League debut with the Giants, playing in parts of the 1967 and 1969 seasons. As a young player, he aimed to establish himself within the competitive National League environment.
- Detroit Tigers: From 1969 to 1971, Gutiérrez became a part of the American League's Detroit Tigers, joining the team midway through the 1969 season. It was during his time with the Tigers that he etched his name into baseball lore with an extraordinary offensive performance.
Listed at a compact 5'9" (175 cm) and 155 lbs (70 kg), Gutiérrez was known for his solid fundamental play and consistent approach at the plate, which culminated in one of the rarest individual achievements in baseball history.
The Historic Seven-Hit Game: An MLB Rarity
The defining moment of César Gutiérrez's career, and indeed one of the most remarkable single-game performances in MLB history, occurred on June 21, 1970. Playing for the Detroit Tigers against the Cleveland Indians at Cleveland Stadium, Gutiérrez delivered an offensive masterpiece by recording seven hits in a single game without making an out. This exceptional feat meant that in every one of his seven plate appearances during the 12-inning marathon game, he reached base safely with a hit. All seven of his hits were singles, contributing significantly to the Tigers' thrilling 12-11 victory in extra innings.
This particular achievement is incredibly rare in Major League Baseball. César Gutiérrez became only the second player in MLB history to accomplish this, joining Wilbert Robinson, who first achieved the feat on June 10, 1892, while playing for the Baltimore Orioles of the American Association. Decades later, only one other player, Rennie Stennett of the Pittsburgh Pirates, has matched this unique record, doing so on September 16, 1975. This places Gutiérrez in an elite group of just three players to ever achieve seven hits in a game without recording an out, solidifying his place as a memorable figure in baseball's extensive record books.
Frequently Asked Questions About César Gutiérrez
- When did César Gutiérrez record his historic seven-hit game?
- César Gutiérrez recorded his rare seven-hit game on June 21, 1970, while playing for the Detroit Tigers against the Cleveland Indians at Cleveland Stadium.
- Who else has achieved seven hits in a single Major League Baseball game without making an out?
- César Gutiérrez is one of only three players in MLB history to achieve this rare feat. The others are Wilbert Robinson, who did so on June 10, 1892, and Rennie Stennett, who accomplished it on September 16, 1975.
- What position did César Gutiérrez primarily play in MLB?
- César Gutiérrez primarily played as a shortstop throughout his Major League Baseball career with both the San Francisco Giants and the Detroit Tigers.