Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Bio
Vladimir Guerrero Ramos is a Dominican-Canadian professional baseball first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2019 and has quickly established himself as one of the premier hitters in the game. Over his career, Guerrero has earned multiple All-Star selections and led the league in home runs in 2021, showcasing his exceptional power and batting skills. Guerrero is noted for being the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr., reflecting a rich family history in baseball.
Early Life and Background
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was born on March 16, 1999, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He is the son of Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and Riquelma Ramos. Guerrero’s father was playing for the Montreal Expos at the time of his birth, which granted him Canadian citizenship. After his parents separated when he was very young, he moved with his mother to Santiago in the Dominican Republic. Throughout his childhood, Guerrero spent time living with his mother in Santiago, with his uncle Wilton in Don Gregorio, and spent summers with his father in the United States. Guerrero was introduced to baseball by his uncle Wilton, who played a crucial role in his development in the sport. He has credited Wilton for teaching him the fundamentals of baseball and guiding his practice from a young age.
Path to Baseball
Guerrero was signed by the Toronto Blue Jays as an international free agent in 2015. He was ranked as the top international free agent by Baseball America and signed for $3.9 million at the age of 16. He made his professional debut with the Rookie Advanced Bluefield Blue Jays in 2016, where he quickly made a name for himself by hitting his first professional home run shortly after. Over the next few years, Guerrero continued to excel in the minor leagues, earning accolades such as the Appalachian League’s postseason All-Star and ESPN’s Prospect of the Year. His impressive performance led to his promotion to the major leagues in 2019.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Career
Early Career (2019-2020)
Guerrero made his MLB debut on April 26, 2019, after being called up from the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. He quickly became a standout player, hitting his first MLB home run against the San Francisco Giants on May 14, 2019. In his rookie season, Guerrero batted .272 with 15 home runs and 69 RBIs. He also made headlines by breaking the single-round home run record in the Home Run Derby, although he ultimately lost in the final round.
Breakthrough (2021-2022)
The 2021 season marked a significant breakthrough for Guerrero. He led the MLB in home runs, runs scored, and total bases, earning his first All-Star selection and winning the All-Star Game MVP award. He finished the season with a batting average of .311 and was named the American League Hank Aaron Award winner. Guerrero continued to build on his success in 2022, earning another All-Star selection and winning the Gold Glove Award for his defensive performance at first base. He finished the season batting .274 with 32 home runs and 97 RBIs.
Notable Works and Milestones
Guerrero’s signature work includes his performance in the 2021 season, where he was recognized as a top player in the league. He has won multiple awards, including the AL Hank Aaron Award and the Gold Glove Award. His achievements have solidified his status as one of the premier players in baseball today.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has received numerous nominations for prestigious awards, reflecting his impact on the game and his exceptional talent.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Awards Won
Guerrero has won several awards, including five All-Star selections and multiple All-MLB First Team honors. His accolades highlight his skills and contributions to the sport.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Family
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. comes from a family with strong connections to baseball. His father, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., is a Hall of Famer, and Guerrero has at least seven siblings, two of whom have signed professional contracts with MLB teams. His godfather is Baseball Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez, further emphasizing the family’s rich baseball heritage.
Personal Life
Guerrero is a devout Christian and communicates in English with his teammates while giving media interviews in Spanish. He has expressed a desire to learn English quickly to connect with fans. Guerrero’s family background and upbringing have played a significant role in shaping his career and dedication to the sport.