Joaquín Fernando "Jackie" Gutiérrez (born June 27, 1960) is a Colombian former professional baseball
shortstop. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and Philadelphia Phillies, and was the first Colombian MLB player to play for these teams. Listed at and , he batted and threw right-handed.
Biography
Gutiérrez began his professional baseball career in 1978 with the Elmira Pioneers, a farm team of the Boston Red Sox.
He was traded from the Red Sox to the Orioles for Sammy Stewart on December 17, 1985. Upon hearing reports that Gutiérrez was released by two winter ball teams in the Dominican Republic and Venezuela because of erratic behavior which involved frequent fights, the Orioles attempted to have the transaction restructured or voided, alleging that the Red Sox had prior knowledge of any such issues. ruling that it was made in "good faith, with neither club knowingly misrepresenting the facts" and that "the Orioles' request to rescind the trade has been denied."
Entering the 1986 season, the Orioles' expectations for Gutiérrez was for him to become the starting third baseman, allowing Floyd Rayford to replace Rick Dempsey as catcher.
Gutiérrez last played in MLB with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1988.
Gutiérrez continued his minor league career through 1990, last playing with the unaffiliated Miami Miracle.
During his time with the Boston Red Sox he was known as "The Whistler" for his constant whistling between pitches which could be heard all around every ballpark.
Gutiérrez's father, Elias Gutiérrez, represented Colombia at the 1936 Summer Olympics as a sprinter and javelin thrower.
See also
- Players from Colombia in MLB