Yuli Gurriel's Biography
Born on June 9, 1984, Yulieski Gourriel Castillo, commonly known as Yuli Gurriel or “La Piña”, is a formidable figure in Major League Baseball (MLB). As a versatile first baseman and third baseman, he has made a significant impact within the teams he has played for, such as the Kansas City Royals, Sancti Spiritus in the Cuban National Series (CNS), the Yokohama DeNA BayStars of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), the Houston Astros, and the Miami Marlins.
Gurriel’s legacy in baseball is no stroke of luck; he descends from a family with strong ties to the sport. His father, Lourdes Gurriel, was a pivotal player in Cuba and Yulieski’s influence no doubt derived from his father’s prowess. In 2006, his talent was so marked that he was acclaimed as the best player in Cuba. During that same period, at the World Baseball Classic, MLB scouts appraised Gurriel as a first-round draft pick if he were qualified for the draft.
Gurriel had a solid season during the 2004-2005 Cuban National Series. He led the CNS in hits and runs scored, asserting control in the region. His dominance did not falter the following term as he spearheaded the series in runs batted in (RBI), runs, and triples in 2005-2006. He notched a .327 batting average and a .676 slugging percentage, earning the rapturous applause of fans and pundits alike. His performance was so stellar he fell just one short of breaking the record for most home runs in the league.
Gurriel’s journey took a decisive turn in February 2016 when he and his brother, Lourdes Jr., decided to leave Cuba and establish residency in Haiti. This unraveled a new chapter of opportunities, as Gurriel became eligible to be signed by a major league team as a free agent in June of the same year.
His transfer to the MLB saw Gurriel sign a lucrative five-year, $47.5 million contract with the Houston Astros in July 2016. Ending the year with an impressive .344 with three home runs and eight runs batted in over his first 19 games with the Astros, Gurriel was carving out a legacy of his own in the MLB.
The subsequent season saw Gurriel’s departure from the CNS bloom into a triumphant run with the Houston Astros. The team clinched the 2017 World Series championship, making Gurriel the fifth player ever to have won both an Olympic Games gold medal and a World Series title.
Further victories brushed upon Gurriel’s career as his team clinched AL pennants in 2019 and 2021. He wrapped up an impressive 2021 season winning the AL batting title, becoming the second Cuban-born player to achieve the feat. On top of that, Gurriel was awarded the AL Gold Glove Award for the year, becoming the oldest player to win a Gold Glove for the first baseman position.
Despite the bright success, Yuli’s career was not without controversy. During Game 3 of the World Series, Gurriel was captured on camera making a racist gesture, stretching the sides of his eyes and mouthing a derogatory term. He apologized for his actions, stating it was a reference common in Cuba, acknowledging that he was aware the term was offensive having played in Japan.
Gurriel continues to make waves on the field. Teaming up with his brother, Lourdes Jr., for a multi-home run game in September 2018, they made history as the first pair of brothers to achieve this feat on the same day in the major leagues. That same year, Gurriel was named AL Player of the Week, having batted a remarkable .462 and .923 SLG with eight runs scored, three home runs, and ten RBI.
In 2021, Gurriel batted .319, claiming the AL batting title. This marked him as the sixth-oldest player to win a batting title, the oldest to win their first since Barry Bonds in 2002, and the first Cuban to achieve it since Tony Oliva in 1971. His defense also shone, taking home the coveted Gold Glove Award.
His journey through MLB has been marked by exceptional talent, sportsmanship, and a few instances of controversy. Nonetheless, his story serves as an inspiring testament that age doesn’t limit achievement, and that talent, dedication, and grit can overcome any obstacle. Yuli Gurriel’s story continues to captivate the world of Major League Baseball. Regardless of where he plays, his reputation as a trailblazing Cuban player resonates in every stadium he steps into.
