Vladimir Guerrero's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Vladimir Guerrero. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1984: Reggie Jackson - Angel Outfielder All-Star Starter

In July of 2004, when Guerrero made his fifth MLB All-Star game appearance, he led AL outfielders with 3,024,870 votes and was the first Angel outfielder to be a starter since Reggie Jackson in 1984.

1986: First Western Division Title since 1986

In 2004, Vladimir Guerrero led the Angels to their first Western Division title since 1986.

1986: Wally Joyner won Home Run Derby

In the 2007 season, Guerrero became the third Angel to win the Home Run Derby (after Wally Joyner in 1986).

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.

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: Montreal Expos Player of the Year

In 1998, Vladimir Guerrero won the Montreal Expos Player of the Year award.

1999: All-Star Game and Hitting Streak

In 1999, Vladimir Guerrero represented the Expos at the All-Star Game and maintained a 31-game hitting streak, the longest in the majors in 12 years.

1999: Montreal Expos Player of the Year

In 1999, Vladimir Guerrero won the Montreal Expos Player of the Year award.

2000: Career High in Home Runs

In 2000, Vladimir Guerrero hit a career-high 44 home runs.

2000: Montreal Expos Player of the Year

In 2000, Vladimir Guerrero won the Montreal Expos Player of the Year award.

July 7, 2001: Incredible Throw

On July 7, 2001, Vladimir Guerrero made one of the best throws in MLB history, throwing out Alberto Castillo at home plate from deep right field.

2001: Stole 37 bases

In 2001, Vladimir Guerrero developed a running game, stealing 37 bases.

2002: Statistical Achievements

In 2002, Vladimir Guerrero led the National League with 206 base hits and 364 total bases, stole a career-high 40 bases, and became the first player in major league history to hit 30 home runs, steal 40 bases, and hit above .330 in one season.

2002: Montreal Expos Player of the Year

In 2002, Vladimir Guerrero won the Montreal Expos Player of the Year award.

2002: The Angels won the 2002 World Series

In 2004, Mike Scioscia said that Guerrero "really carried us on his back", as the Angels won the 2002 World Series as the American League Wild Card.

September 14, 2003: Hit for the Cycle

On September 14, 2003, Vladimir Guerrero, despite playing injured, hit for the cycle, marking a significant achievement.

2003: Garret Anderson won Home Run Derby

In the 2007 season, Guerrero became the third Angel to win the Home Run Derby (after Garret Anderson in 2003).

2004: AL MVP Award and Western Division Title

In 2004, Vladimir Guerrero led the Angels to their first Western Division title since 1986 and was chosen as the AL MVP.

2004: AL MVP Award

In 2004, Vladimir Guerrero was voted the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP).

2004: Selected for All-Star Game

Vladimir Guerrero was chosen for the All-Star Game in each of his first four seasons with the Angels (2004–2007).

2005: Western Division Title and 300th Home Run

In 2005, the Angels won the Western Division again, and Vladimir Guerrero became the 12th player to hit his 300th home run before the age of 30.

July 15, 2006: 1,000th Career RBI

On July 15, 2006, Vladimir Guerrero recorded his 1,000th career RBI at home against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, marking a significant milestone.

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.

2007: Home Run Derby Win

In the 2007 season, Vladimir Guerrero made his 8th Major League Baseball All-Star Game appearance and won his first career Home Run Derby, marking a significant achievement.

2008: Voted one of the most feared hitters in baseball

In a 2008 poll of all 30 major league managers, Vladimir Guerrero was voted one of the most feared hitters in baseball.

August 14, 2009: Hit a pitch after it bounced

On August 14, 2009, Vladimir Guerrero demonstrated his exceptional "bad-ball hitter" skill by hitting a pitch after it bounced in front of home plate.

2009: Five AL West Championships

Between 2004 and 2009, Vladimir Guerrero helped lead the Angels to five AL West championships.

2009: First Time Below .300 Batting Average

In 2009, Vladimir Guerrero had a batting average below .300 (.295), an OPS below .800 (.794), or a doubles total less than 20 (16) for the first time.

2009: Ranked Among Greatest Current Players

In 2009, Vladimir Guerrero was named number 37 on the Sporting News' list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball.

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.

September 26, 2011: All-time MLB leader for hits by a Dominican player

On September 26, 2011, Vladimir Guerrero surpassed Julio Franco as the all-time MLB leader for hits by a Dominican player.

2014: Record broken by Adrián Beltré

In 2014, Adrián Beltré surpassed Vladimir Guerrero's record for all-time MLB leader for hits by a Dominican player.

2018: Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame

In 2018, Vladimir Guerrero was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy in baseball.

2021: Father-son duo with 40-home run seasons

In 2021, Vladimir Guerrero and his son Vladimir Jr. became the second father-son duo in MLB history to each have a 40-home run season in their careers.