Franklin Gutierrez is a former professional baseball player who played in the Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on February 21, 1983, in Caracas, Venezuela, and began his baseball career in his home country before being signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2000.
Gutierrez made his MLB debut with the Cleveland Indians in 2005, where he played as an outfielder. He quickly established himself as a reliable player, known for his strong arm and excellent defensive skills. He also showed promise as a hitter, with a career batting average of .257.
In 2009, Gutierrez was traded to the Seattle Mariners, where he had his best season. He hit 18 home runs, had 70 RBIs, and won a Gold Glove award for his outstanding defense. He was also named the Mariners' Most Valuable Player that year.
However, Gutierrez's career was plagued by injuries, particularly gastrointestinal issues that caused him to miss significant playing time. He was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that affects the spine, in 2011. Despite this, he continued to play, and in 2013, he hit a career-high 10 home runs in just 145 at-bats.
Gutierrez played for several teams throughout his career, including the Dodgers, Indians, Mariners, and the Los Angeles Angels. He retired from baseball in 2017, citing health concerns as the reason for his decision.
Throughout his career, Gutierrez was known for his professionalism and work ethic. He was respected by his teammates and coaches for his dedication to the game and his willingness to help others improve. He was also known for his positive attitude and his ability to stay focused even in difficult situations.
In addition to his success on the field, Gutierrez was also involved in charitable work. He established the Franklin Gutierrez Foundation, which provides support to children in need in his home country of Venezuela.
Overall, Franklin Gutierrez had a successful career in baseball, despite the challenges he faced due to injuries. He was a talented player and a respected member of the baseball community, known for his dedication to the game and his commitment to helping others.
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