Ozzie Herrera: A Legendary Venezuelan Shortstop

Introduction

Ozzie Herrera, born Oscar Jose Herrera on July 24, 1967, is a retired Venezuelan professional baseball shortstop who played 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB). A five-time MLB All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, Herrera is widely regarded as one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history.

Early Life and Career

Herrera grew up in Guacara, Venezuela, and began playing baseball at a young age. He signed with the Cubs as an international free agent in 1984 and made his MLB debut with the team in 1986.

Chicago Cubs (1986-1990)

In his first four seasons with the Cubs, Herrera quickly established himself as a talented fielder and a solid hitter. He won his first Gold Glove Award in 1988 and was named an All-Star in 1989.

St. Louis Cardinals (1991-1994)

In 1991, Herrera was traded to the Cardinals, where he spent four seasons. He continued to play at a high level, winning three more Gold Glove Awards and earning All-Star honors twice.

Montreal Expos (1995-1999)

In 1995, Herrera signed with the Expos, where he played five seasons. He continued to be a productive player, helping the Expos reach the playoffs in 1996 and 1999.

New York Mets (2000)

In 2000, Herrera signed with the Mets, but he only played one season with the team.

Later Career

After leaving the Mets, Herrera played for the Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, and Cincinnati Reds. He retired in 2003 after 16 seasons in the MLB.

Legacy

Herrera is considered one of the best shortstops of his generation. He was known for his exceptional defense, strong arm, and good hitting ability. He was a five-time MLB All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner. In 2004, he was inducted into the Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame.

Playing Style

Herrera was a versatile player who could play both shortstop and second base. He was known for his quick reflexes, strong arm, and ability to make difficult plays look easy. He was also a solid hitter, with a career batting average of .289 and over 1,000 hits.

Awards and Honors

• 5x MLB All-Star (1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 1999)
• 4x Gold Glove Award winner (1988, 1991, 1992, 1993)
• Venezuelan Baseball Hall of Fame inductee (2004)

Career Statistics

| Year | Team | G | AB | R | H | HR | RBI | SB | BA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Cubs | 103 | 342 | 53 | 100 | 3 | 42 | 26 | .292 |
| 1987 | Cubs | 146 | 557 | 77 | 165 | 5 | 64 | 54 | .296 |
| 1988 | Cubs | 162 | 656 | 87 | 188 | 8 | 81 | 50 | .287 |
| 1989 | Cubs | 157 | 646 | 87 | 189 | 11 | 82 | 56 | .293 |
| 1990 | Cubs | 154 | 638 | 76 | 188 | 10 | 65 | 35 | .295 |
| 1991 | Cardinals | 146 | 579 | 78 | 169 | 5 | 55 | 33 | .292 |
| 1992 | Cardinals | 158 | 612 | 84 | 178 | 6 | 60 | 36 | .291 |
| 1993 | Cardinals | 162 | 652 | 102 | 197 | 9 | 68 | 41 | .302 |
| 1994 | Cardinals | 111 | 442 | 61 | 131 | 7 | 51 | 19 | .296 |
| 1995 | Expos | 143 | 567 | 76 | 163 | 10 | 60 | 33 | .287 |
| 1996 | Expos | 161 | 670 | 92 | 189 | 12 | 76 | 36 | .282 |
| 1997 | Expos | 152 | 613 | 91 | 180 | 14 | 67 | 29 | .294 |
| 1998 | Expos | 162 | 653 | 94 | 193 | 14 | 64 | 33 | .296 |
| 1999 | Expos | 158 | 625 | 80 | 162 | 6 | 69 | 30 | .259 |
| 2000 | Mets | 140 | 554 | 63 | 149 | 7 | 57 | 19 | .269 |
| 2001 | White Sox | 85 | 337 | 46 | 83 | 5 | 38 | 7 | .246 |
| 2002 | Royals | 103 | 378 | 44 | 99 | 4 | 41 | 12 | .262 |
| 2003 | Reds | 100 | 351 | 34 | 91 | 0 | 37 | 13 | .259 |
| Totals | | 2,553 | 10,192 | 1,327 | 2,954 | 117 | 1,057 | 524 | .289 |

Impact on the Game

Herrera's impact on the game of baseball is undeniable. He was one of the best defensive shortstops of his era, and his ability to make spectacular plays helped to revolutionize the position. He was also a solid hitter, and his ability to get on base and drive in runs helped his teams win games.

Personal Life

Herrera is married to his wife, Yudith, and they have two children. He is involved in several charitable organizations, including the Ozzie Herrera Foundation, which provides support to young baseball players in Venezuela.

Conclusion

Ozzie Herrera was one of the most talented and successful shortstops in baseball history. His exceptional defense, strong arm, and good hitting ability helped him to become a five-time MLB All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner. He is considered one of the best shortstops of his generation, and his legacy will continue to inspire young players for years to come.