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José Uribe
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José Uribe
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José Altagracia González Uribe (January 21, 1959 – December 8, 2006) was a Dominican Major League Baseball shortstop from 1984 until 1993. Most of his ten-year career was spent with the San Francisco Giants. He played for the Giants in the 1989 World Series against the Oakland Athletics.

Key Information

Minor leagues

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Born in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic, Uribe was signed by the New York Yankees in 1977, but was released shortly afterwards without even having played a minor league game with the club. He eventually signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1980, and after four seasons in their farm system, received a September call-up in 1984. In eight games with the Cards, Uribe batted .211 with three runs batted in and four runs scored.

"The ultimate player to be named later"

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In February 1985, Uribe, David Green, Dave LaPoint and Gary Rajsich were dealt to the San Francisco Giants for Jack Clark. Between the time of the initial trade and his delivery, he changed his name from José González Uribe (Uribe is his mother's maiden name; González is his father's name. (See Spanish naming customs) to just José Uribe because, as he put it, "There are too many Gonzálezes in baseball!" Thus, he was humorously referred to as "the player to be named later"[1] and sometimes "the ultimate player to be named later",[2] a quote attributed to coach Rocky Bridges.

San Francisco Giants

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Uribe was the Giants' principal shortstop for eight seasons, including their 1987 National League Western Division championship and 1989 National League pennant, leading the league with 85 double plays in the latter season. In the 1987 National League Championship Series he had a two-run single with the bases loaded in the fourth inning of Game 5, giving the Giants a 4–3 lead. He then stole third base and scored as the Giants won 6–3 for a 3–2 series lead, though San Francisco went on to lose the final two games. He won the 1988 Willie Mac Award honoring his spirit and leadership.

Uribe was also a fan favorite at Candlestick Park, where the home crowd had a unique chant for the relatively light-hitting infielder. When he would come to bat, fans on one side of the stadium would shout "OOH!" after which fans on the other side would respond with "REE-bay!". Giants fans would later use the same chant for Juan Uribe, José's second cousin.[3] He also received the uncommon nickname José "Game Winning" Uribe from ESPN announcer Chris Berman when the stat known as the "Game Winning RBI" was an official statistic.

After an injury-plagued 1991 season, Uribe lost his starting job to Royce Clayton in 1992. He signed with the Houston Astros as a free agent for 1993, but only appeared in 45 games that season.

Seasons Games PA AB Runs Hits 2B 3B HR RBI Avg. OBP Slg. SB BB K
10 1038 3369 3064 307 738 99 34 19 219 .241 .300 .314 74 256 425

1990 Fleer baseball card

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For several years, Jose Uribe's 1990 Fleer baseball card was considered a "common" in a dramatically over-produced baseball set. However, in 2018, several of these cards began selling on eBay for hundreds of thousands of dollars with claims that they are rare.

According to eBay sold listings data, some copies of this card have sold for enormous amounts, though according to Beckett Media, those sales are dubious at best. Beckett has stated that there is nothing rare or uncommon about the card, and its exorbitant asking price in some auctions has no definable merit.[4]

Personal life

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His first wife, Sarah, died at the age of 27 of a heart attack, two days after giving birth to their third child.[5]

Uribe was killed, at age 47, December 8, 2006, in a car crash at about 3:00 a.m. near his hometown of Juan Baron, Palenque, Dominican Republic.[6] He is survived by his second wife, Wendy Guerrero, with whom he had four children. He was a second cousin of former major league infielder Juan Uribe.[3]

Preceded by Willie Mac Award
1988 		Succeeded by

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

José Uribe

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from Grokipedia
José Altagracia Uribe (January 21, 1959 – December 8, 2006) was a Dominican who played in (MLB) for ten seasons from 1984 to 1993. Born in , Uribe signed with the New York Yankees organization in 1977 as an amateur free agent and made his MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on September 13, 1984. He appeared in 1,015 games over his career, compiling a .241 with 738 , 19 home runs, and 74 stolen bases, while earning a 8.7 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) for his defensive contributions at . Uribe's most notable tenure came with the Giants, to whom he was traded in February 1985 in a multi-player deal; he spent eight seasons there as a regular, batting a career-high .291 in 1987. During his time with the Giants, he received the team's Willie Mac Award in 1988 for spirit and leadership, and was honored as the franchise's All-Decade of the 1980s. Uribe also played in the against the , starting all four games at as the Giants were swept in a Bay Area "earthquake series" interrupted by the Loma Prieta earthquake. He concluded his MLB career with the Astros in 1993 before retiring and returning to the . Tragically, Uribe died at age 47 in a single-vehicle car crash on a highway near on December 8, 2006, when his sport utility vehicle flipped over; he was driving alone at the time of the accident. Known for his quick hands, range, and steady glove work, Uribe remains remembered in Dominican circles as a trailblazer who helped pave the way for future players from his country.

Early life and career beginnings

Birth and background

José Uribe, born José Altagracia González Uribe on January 21, 1959, in , entered a world shaped by the nation's turbulent mid-20th-century history. His father, Eligio González, served as a career soldier in the army of dictator , while his mother, Luz María, managed the household for their military family. Uribe grew up in a working-class environment in San Cristóbal, a city known for its vibrant yet challenging urban life, where formal took a backseat to the demands of daily survival and the allure of local sports. Details on his schooling remain sparse, but records indicate limited formal as he devoted much of his to playing on makeshift fields of rock and dirt rather than in classrooms. This upbringing reflected the broader socioeconomic realities of Dominican families during the era, where often served as an accessible outlet amid economic hardship. From an early age, Uribe gained exposure to through informal games on neighborhood sandlots and organized youth matches in San Cristóbal, honing his skills in a community deeply immersed in the sport. The 1960s and 1970s marked a pivotal period for Dominican baseball culture, as the nation produced an increasing number of Major League talents—such as the Alou brothers and —who inspired aspiring players like Uribe by demonstrating pathways out of poverty through athletic success. This rising prominence of Dominican players in MLB, amid the country's post-Trujillo democratization and economic shifts, fostered a national obsession with the game that permeated Uribe's formative years. Uribe maintained close family ties throughout his life, including a connection to his cousin Juan Uribe, who later followed a similar path into professional baseball.

Initial professional signings and minor leagues

Uribe's professional baseball career began with a brief and unfulfilled stint in the New York Yankees organization. On February 18, 1977, at the age of 18, he signed as an amateur free agent with the Yankees on the recommendation of scout Epy Guerrero. However, he spent the entire season on the disabled list and was released on July 5 without appearing in a single minor league game. After three years away from organized baseball, Uribe signed with the St. Louis Cardinals organization as an undrafted on August 18, 1980. Assigned to the Cardinals' farm system, he made his professional debut the following year at age 22. His early tenure focused on developing as a , where he demonstrated reliable defensive skills that would become a hallmark of his career. From 1981 to 1984, Uribe progressed steadily through the Cardinals' affiliates, compiling an overall of .268 across 526 games. In , he played for the Class A+ St. Petersburg Cardinals of the , hitting .268 with 12 stolen bases in 128 games. Advancing to Double-A with the in 1982, he batted .247 with 16 stolen bases in 123 games, and briefly appeared in Triple-A with the Louisville Redbirds, posting a .357 average in eight contests. By 1983, established at Triple-A Louisville in the American Association, Uribe improved to .284 with 26 stolen bases over 122 games. His defensive prowess at was evident throughout, contributing to his reputation as a steady with strong range and arm strength. In 1984, Uribe continued at Triple-A Louisville, batting .279 with 135 hits and earning selection to the American Association team. His consistent performance that season, particularly his glove work and base-running ability, positioned him for a major league opportunity, leading to his call-up to the Cardinals in September.

Major League Baseball career

St. Louis Cardinals

Uribe made his debut with the St. Louis Cardinals on September 13, 1984, starting at against the Philadelphia Phillies at in a 10-2 loss. He went 0-for-4 at the plate in the game, marking the beginning of a brief late-season call-up after earning honors in the with the Louisville Redbirds. Over the remainder of the season, Uribe appeared in eight games total, serving primarily as a defensive substitute at behind incumbent , who played 145 games that year despite an earlier wrist injury. His role was limited to utility appearances, including two as a and one at second base, highlighting his speed and fielding potential in a crowded infield. In 19 at-bats during the 1984 season, Uribe recorded four hits for a .211 , scoring four runs, driving in three RBI, and stealing one base, with no extra-base hits or walks. Offensively, his impact was minimal, but defensively, he demonstrated the slick fielding that would define his career, though opportunities were scarce with Smith entrenched at the position. Uribe committed no errors in his limited chances, underscoring his promise as a glove-first in the Cardinals' system. Uribe's time with the Cardinals ended as part of a blockbuster December 1984 trade that brought first baseman-outfielder Jack Clark from the Giants to in exchange for pitchers Dave LaPoint and Gary Rajsich, outfielder David Green, and a . Designated as that player, Uribe—then known professionally as José González—was officially sent to the Giants on February 15, 1985, completing the deal; the transaction later inspired the nickname "the ultimate player to be named later" due to his subsequent success in .

San Francisco Giants

Uribe was officially acquired by the San Francisco Giants on February 15, 1985, completing the trade that sent Jack Clark to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for Uribe, David Green, Dave LaPoint, and Gary Rajsich. The two-week gap between the trade's February 1 announcement and its finalization allowed Uribe to legally simplify his professional name from José Altagracia González Uribe to José Uribe, a move that prompted Giants third-base coach Bridges to dub him "the ultimate ." Upon arriving in San Francisco, Uribe quickly established himself as the Giants' everyday starting in 1985, a role he maintained through the 1992 season. His tenure provided steady defensive play and consistent presence in the lineup, including a career-high 43 RBI during the season alongside a .223 and 3 home runs. In 1987, Uribe delivered one of his strongest offensive outputs, batting .291 with 5 home runs and 30 RBI over 95 games. Uribe's leadership and spirit shone in key seasons, earning him the 1988 Willie Mac Award, voted by teammates and media for exemplifying extraordinary spirit and leadership as a Giant. The following year, 1989, saw him bat .221 while anchoring the infield, turning a National League-leading 85 double plays as the Giants reached the . Across eight seasons with , Uribe played in 985 games, compiling a .243 , 19 home runs, and 213 RBI, while his defensive reliability helped solidify the Giants' infield during a period of franchise transition.

Houston Astros

Uribe signed with the Astros as a on January 5, 1993, bringing veteran infield experience to bolster depth behind young Andújar Cedeño. The Astros, seeking a reliable capable of stepping into a starting role if needed, viewed Uribe's defensive acumen and speed as assets for their infield stability during a rebuilding phase in the . In his final major league season, Uribe served as a utility infielder and primary backup , appearing in 45 games while starting only 13. He batted .245 with 13 hits in 53 at-bats, including one double, one , and three RBI, while stealing one base and scoring four runs. Defensively, Uribe contributed reliably at and second base, providing late-inning stability for the Astros, who finished second in the competitive NL West with an 85-77 record amid ongoing roster transitions. His limited offensive output reflected a diminished role compared to his earlier starting stints, but his glove work remained a steady presence. Uribe's last major league appearance came on October 3, 1993, against the , where he recorded two hits in four at-bats. Granted free agency on October 29, 1993, he did not sign with another team and effectively retired at age 34, concluding a 10-year MLB career that included 1,038 games, a .241 , 19 home runs, and 219 RBI.

Playing style and achievements

Defensive strengths and records

José Uribe, a switch-hitter who threw right-handed, established himself as one of the premier defensive shortstops of his era through his quick reflexes, powerful arm, and wide range. These attributes allowed him to make difficult plays look routine, earning him recognition as a "slick fielder" and the most consistent shortstop for the San Francisco Giants since Chris Speier. Over his 10-year major league career, primarily at shortstop, Uribe posted a .969 fielding percentage, reflecting his reliability in handling the demands of the position. Uribe's defensive impact was particularly evident in his ability to initiate double plays and accumulate assists, key metrics for shortstops during the . In , he led the National League with 85 double plays turned, a testament to his pivot skills and coordination with infield partners. He also ranked among the league leaders in assists multiple times, finishing third in the NL with 444 in and second with 436 in —figures that highlighted his aggressive style and coverage of the middle infield. These performances placed him in the top 10 for assists in several seasons, underscoring his consistent excellence. Beyond raw numbers, Uribe's poise shone in high-pressure scenarios, where he delivered error-free play that stabilized defenses. His partnership with Robby Thompson formed one of the era's top double-play combinations, as lauded by Giants manager Roger Craig, bolstering the team's infield during their contention push. While Uribe's batting was contact-oriented with modest power, yielding a .241 career , it was his glove work that defined his value and secured his role as an everyday .

Awards and postseason play

Uribe earned the San Francisco Giants' Willie Mac Award in 1988, an honor voted on by players, coaches, and staff to recognize the most inspirational teammate, named after Hall of Famer . The award underscored Uribe's resilience that season, particularly after personal tragedy, and highlighted his value as a steady clubhouse presence amid a 141-game campaign. Although he never won a Gold Glove, Uribe received notable fan support in balloting, finishing eighth among National League shortstops in 1987 with 194,013 votes. Uribe's postseason opportunities were limited to three series across his career, with his most prominent role coming in the Giants' 1989 run to the . Earlier, in the 1987 against the Cardinals, he appeared in all seven games, batting .269 with seven hits, including a double and a two-RBI single in Game 5 that helped fuel a four-run rally. The Giants fell 4-3 in that series, marking Uribe's only prior playoff exposure before 1989. In the versus the Chicago Cubs, Uribe batted .235 over five games, collecting four hits, a double, and a to aid the Giants' sweep. He then played in the against the , going 1-for-5 (.200) across three games as San Francisco was swept 4-0 in the Bay Area "Battle of the Bay." Uribe had no further postseason appearances after leaving the Giants. These moments, combined with his award, affirmed his reputation for reliability and leadership under pressure, contributing to team morale during pivotal seasons.

Personal life and death

Family and relationships

José Uribe married his first wife, Sara Reyes, in 1983; the couple, both from San Cristóbal in the Dominican Republic, had three children together: daughters Luz Adriana, born in 1984, and Jacqueline, born in 1985, followed by son Rique José, born prematurely on May 31, 1988. Sara Uribe died the following day, June 2, 1988, at age 27 from a heart attack due to pulmonary hypertension during emergency surgery. The tragedy deeply affected Uribe, motivating his renewed focus on his baseball career in the ensuing years. Following Sara's death, Uribe remarried Wendy Guerrero, with whom he had four children. The family maintained close ties in the , where Uribe prioritized spending time with his children and extended relatives during off-seasons. Uribe was a second to fellow infielder , who played from 2001 to 2015 and credited José's success as an inspiration for his own career. Beyond family, Uribe supported youth baseball in his hometown of San Cristóbal by operating the José Uribe Youth League and providing equipment and shoes to young players, including a notable donation in 1992.

Automobile accident and legacy

On December 8, 2006, José Uribe was killed in a single-vehicle near Juan Barón in San Cristóbal province, , when the sport utility vehicle he was driving veered off the Nizao-San Cristóbal Highway and crashed around 3 a.m. local time; an unidentified passenger was uninjured. He was 47 years old at the time of his death, and authorities reported no other fatalities. Uribe's funeral was held the following day in his hometown of Juan Barón, drawing thousands of mourners who lined the streets to pay their respects; MLB players including and attended, with Guerrero leading the procession. The San Francisco Giants organization issued tributes honoring his contributions, with owner stating, "I was very saddened to hear the news of José's passing this morning. He meant so much to the Giants during his playing days." The event underscored Uribe's enduring popularity in his native country. Uribe is remembered as a gritty, fan-favorite shortstop whose defensive prowess and switch-hitting ability made him a standout during his Major League career, particularly with the Giants, where fans chanted "Ooooh! Uribe!" in his honor. As one of the early Dominican players to succeed at the major league level, he helped pave the way for subsequent generations of talent from his country, though his premature death prevented any involvement in post-retirement coaching or mentoring roles. In recognition of his character and sportsmanship, the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum established the José Uribe Sportsmanship Award in 2007, presented annually to a Giants Hispanic player exemplifying those qualities.

References

  1. https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/jose-uribe/
  2. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/u/uribejo01.shtml
  3. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ex-mlb-shortstop-jose-uribe-dies-in-crash/
  4. https://www.mlb.com/news/featured/the-history-of-baseball-in-the-dominican-republic
  5. https://origins.osu.edu/article/dominican-republic-and-united-states-baseball-history
  6. https://sabr.org/journal/article/the-path-to-the-sugar-mill-or-the-path-to-millions-mlb-baseball-academies-effect-on-the-dominican-republic/
  7. https://sports.yahoo.com/news/uribe-draws-strength-cousin-071100690--mlb.html
  8. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/trades.php?p=uribejo01
  9. https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=uribe-001jos
  10. https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI198409130.shtml
  11. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=uribejo01&t=b&year=1984
  12. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/teamstats/hitting.php?y=1987&t=SFN
  13. https://historyofcardinals.com/uribe-jose-1984/
  14. https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1993.shtml
  15. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/fielding_perc_ss_career.shtml
  16. https://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/09/sports/jose-uribe-baseball-shortstop-47.html
  17. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1989-fielding-leaders.shtml
  18. https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1986-fielding-leaders.shtml
  19. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/willie_mac_award.shtml
  20. http://www.padresnation.com/1987/07/1987-nl-all-star-voting.html
  21. https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1987_NLCS.shtml
  22. https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=uribejo01&t=b&post=1
  23. https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1989_WS.shtml
  24. https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/02/sports/uribe-s-wife-dies-of-heart-attack.html
  25. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/jose-uribe-obituary?pid=20194469
  26. https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2006/12/08/former-giant-jose-uribe-dies-in-car-crash/
  27. https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2006/12/10/2003339933
  28. https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Ex-Giants-shortstop-dies-in-traffic-crash-2483443.php
  29. https://hhbmhof.com/jose-uribe-sportsmanship-award/
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