Career Timeline of Vladimir Guerrero: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Vladimir Guerrero, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Vladimir Guerrero, nicknamed "Vlad the Impaler", is a Dominican former professional baseball player. He played 16 seasons in MLB as a right fielder and designated hitter for the Montreal Expos (1996–2003), Anaheim Angels/Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2004–2009), Texas Rangers (2010), and Baltimore Orioles (2011).

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

March 1, 1993: Signed with Montreal Expos

On March 1, 1993, Vladimir Guerrero was signed by the Montreal Expos as an unsigned amateur free agent.

1993: Signed by Montreal Expos

In 1993, Vladimir Guerrero was signed by the Montreal Expos after scout Arturo DeFreites convinced the team.

September 19, 1996: MLB Debut

On September 19, 1996, Vladimir Guerrero made his MLB debut, going 1-for-5 at the plate, with his first big league hit coming against Atlanta Braves pitcher Steve Avery.

September 21, 1996: First Career Home Run

On September 21, 1996, Vladimir Guerrero hit his first career home run against Braves closer Mark Wohlers, in a 5–4 loss. That contest is also significant, in that it marks Guerrero's first multi-hit game.

1996: Joined Montreal Expos

In 1996, Vladimir Guerrero began his MLB career with the Montreal Expos, marking the start of his professional baseball journey.

1996: Played Nine Games

In 1996, Vladimir Guerrero played only nine games in the MLB.

1997: First Full Season

In 1997, Vladimir Guerrero played his first full season and was criticized for being too aggressive at the plate, but still put up solid numbers.

1998: Admiration for free-swinging ways

In 1998, Guerrero's free-swinging style changed from scorn to admiration, as he continued to hit pitches with authority, even those that were clearly balls.

1998: Agreed to $28 million deal

In 1998, Vladimir Guerrero batted .324, with 38 home runs, and 109 RBI, and agreed to a $28 million deal.

2002: Similar Performance

Through the 2002 season, Vladimir Guerrero posted similar or slightly improved numbers.

2003: Free Agency

After the 2003 season, Vladimir Guerrero became a free agent for the first time.

2003: End of Guerrero's time with Montreal Expos

In 2003, Vladimir Guerrero concluded his tenure with the Montreal Expos after playing for the team since 1996.

January 14, 2004: Signed with Anaheim Angels

On January 14, 2004, Vladimir Guerrero signed a five-year, $70 million deal with the Anaheim Angels.

2004: Joined Anaheim Angels

In 2004, Vladimir Guerrero joined the Anaheim Angels, marking a new chapter in his MLB career.

2005: Postseason and Pepsi Ad

In 2005, Vladimir Guerrero played in the postseason and appeared in a national TV ad for Pepsi with Alex Rodriguez. The Pepsi ad featured Guerrero and Rodriguez engaging in a personal home run competition that ended up with the moon being broken.

August 2006: Hitting streak ends

In August 2006, Guerrero's 44-game hitting streak against the Texas Rangers came to an end in a game in which he was intentionally walked three times, walked four times overall, and finished 0-for-1.

2009: End of Guerrero's time with Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

In 2009, Vladimir Guerrero ended his time with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after having joined the Anaheim Angels in 2004.

2009: Designated Hitter Reassignment

In 2009, Vladimir Guerrero's fielding talent dwindled, leading to his reassignment as a designated hitter at the start of the season.

January 11, 2010: Signed with Texas Rangers

On January 11, 2010, Vladimir Guerrero signed a one-year, $5.5 million deal with incentives and a 2011 option with the Texas Rangers.

April 5, 2010: Breaks up no-hitter

On April 5, 2010, Vladimir Guerrero broke up a no-hitter by Shaun Marcum in the seventh inning of the Opening Day game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

May 6, 2010: Two Home Runs vs Royals

On May 6, 2010, Guerrero hit two home runs versus the Kansas City Royals to secure a 13–12 win.

May 13, 2010: Walk-off line drive

On May 13, 2010, Guerrero's walk off line drive to left field won the final game of a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics in the bottom of the 12th inning.

May 25, 2010: Two More Home Runs vs Royals

On May 25, 2010, Vladimir Guerrero hit two more home runs to secure another win over the Kansas City Royals.

June 30, 2010: Two Home Runs vs Angels

On June 30, 2010, Vladimir Guerrero hit two home runs and went 4-for-4 with 5 RBIs against his former team, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

October 22, 2010: Captures first American League pennant

On October 22, 2010, Guerrero drove in 3 runs during game 6 of the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, capturing the first American League pennant for the Texas Rangers.

2010: Joined Texas Rangers

In 2010, Vladimir Guerrero joined the Texas Rangers for one season, adding another team to his MLB career.

February 18, 2011: Signed with Baltimore Orioles

On February 18, 2011, Guerrero signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles.

2011: Joined Baltimore Orioles

In 2011, Vladimir Guerrero played his final MLB season with the Baltimore Orioles.

2011: Deal with incentives and a 2011 option

On January 11, 2010, Guerrero signed a deal with the Texas Rangers that included a 2011 option.

May 10, 2012: Signed minor league contract with Toronto Blue Jays

On May 10, 2012, Guerrero signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

May 27, 2012: Home Run in first game for Dunedin Blue Jays

On May 27, 2012, during his first game for the Class-A Dunedin Blue Jays, Guerrero hit a home run.

June 12, 2012: Granted Release from Las Vegas 51s

On June 12, 2012, after playing in 8 games for the Triple-A Las Vegas 51s, Guerrero asked for, and was granted, his release.

November 4, 2012: Returns to Liga de Béisbol Profesional de la República Dominicana

On November 4, 2012, Guerrero came back to the Liga de Béisbol Profesional de la República Dominicana with Tigres del Licey.

November 20, 2012: Quits Tigres del Licey

On November 20, 2012, Guerrero quit the Tigres del Licey team after being informed that he would only be used as a pinch hitter.

April 4, 2013: Signed with Long Island Ducks

On April 4, 2013, Guerrero signed with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League, but did not join the team due to family issues.

March 31, 2014: Signed one-day contract and retired

On March 31, 2014, Guerrero signed a one-day contract with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and officially retired from professional baseball.

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