César Gutiérrez, Venezuelan baseball player, coach, and manager (b. 1943)

César Gutiérrez: The Venezuelan Shortstop Behind a Historic MLB Hitting Feat

César Dario Gutiérrez, affectionately known by his distinct nickname "Cocoa," was a prominent Venezuelan professional baseball player whose career, though relatively brief in Major League Baseball (MLB), left an indelible mark on the sport's record books. Born on January 26, 1943, Gutiérrez was a right-handed shortstop, a position demanding agility, quick reflexes, and strong defensive acumen. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 155 pounds, he embodied the athletic build typical of middle infielders of his era, perfectly suited for the defensive demands of the shortstop position.

A Glimpse into His MLB Career

Gutiérrez's journey in Major League Baseball saw him play for two distinct franchises. He made his debut with the San Francisco Giants, gracing their roster in parts of the 1967 and 1969 seasons. Following his tenure with the Giants, he joined the Detroit Tigers, where he played from late 1969 through the 1971 season. Throughout his MLB career, Gutiérrez primarily served as a dependable defensive shortstop, often valued for his glove work, reliable fielding, and fundamental play in the infield.

The Unforgettable Seven-Hit Performance: A Baseball Rarity

The defining moment of César Gutiérrez's career, and indeed one of the most remarkable individual achievements in baseball history, occurred on June 21, 1970. Playing for the Detroit Tigers against the Cleveland Indians at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Gutiérrez delivered an extraordinary offensive display, recording seven hits in a single game without making an out. This astonishing feat took place during a marathon 15-inning contest, which the Tigers ultimately won by a thrilling score of 12-11. Gutiérrez's performance was not only flawless but pivotal, as he continuously reached base and contributed to his team's hard-fought victory.

• Date of Record: June 21, 1970
• Teams Involved: Detroit Tigers vs. Cleveland Indians
• Game Result: Tigers win 12-11 (15 innings)
• Gutiérrez's Line: 7-for-7 (comprising six singles and one double), with three crucial runs batted in.

What makes Gutiérrez's performance exceptionally rare is not just the sheer number of hits, but the perfect batting line – seven hits in seven official at-bats, without any outs recorded. This places him in an incredibly exclusive club in Major League history. He became only the second player ever to achieve a perfect 7-for-7 hitting performance in an MLB game. The first player to accomplish this near-mythical feat was Wilbert Robinson, who did so on June 10, 1892, while playing for the Baltimore Orioles. To date, only two players in over a century of MLB play have managed to secure seven hits without an out in a single contest, underscoring the statistical improbability and sheer brilliance required for such a flawless outing at the plate.

Legacy and Enduring Impact

Although César Gutiérrez's MLB career spanned just 190 games, concluding with a respectable .256 career batting average, his name is forever etched in baseball lore due to his unparalleled seven-hit game. This extraordinary individual performance serves as a powerful reminder of the unexpected bursts of greatness that can occur in baseball, solidifying his place among the sport's unique record-holders and making him a memorable figure, particularly in Venezuelan baseball history. He passed away on January 22, 2005, but his remarkable achievement continues to captivate baseball enthusiasts and stands as a testament to an unforgettable day on the diamond.

Frequently Asked Questions About César Gutiérrez

What was César Gutiérrez's full name and nickname?

César Dario Gutiérrez, pronounced [goo-te-er'-rez], was widely known by his nickname "Cocoa."

Which MLB teams did César Gutiérrez play for?

He played as a shortstop for the San Francisco Giants (1967, 1969) and the Detroit Tigers (1969-1971).

What is César Gutiérrez famous for in baseball history?

César Gutiérrez is notably famous for being only the second player in Major League Baseball history to record seven hits in a single game without making an out. This historic 7-for-7 performance occurred on June 21, 1970, for the Detroit Tigers.

Who was the first player to achieve a 7-for-7 game in MLB?

The first player to achieve a perfect 7-for-7 game in Major League Baseball was Wilbert Robinson, who accomplished the rare feat on June 10, 1892, for the Baltimore Orioles.