TTM Stats
- Sent: 5/21/2022 | Received: 6/6/2022 | 15 Days
- ’88 Topps, ’93 Fleer Ultra (kept one card)
- Address: Texas Rangers Team Address (MLB Team Address Resource)
- Sent: 7/18/2023 | Received: 8/14/2023 | 26 Days
- ’86 Topps Traded, ’93 Fleer Ultra, ’93 Score
- Address: Texas Rangers Team Address (MLB Team Address Resource)
- Sent: 6/20/2024 | Received: 7/9/2024 | 19 Days
- ’89 Donruss, ’92 Pinnacle (kept one card
- Address: Texas Rangers Team Address (MLB Team Address Resource)
The Story of the Autograph
José Guzmán’s career in Major League Baseball (MLB) is a story of perseverance and talent. Known for his smooth delivery and reliability on the mound, Guzmán became one of the most dependable pitchers of his era, overcoming challenges both on and off the field. His journey reflects his dedication to the game and his role as a mentor and ambassador for baseball.
José Alberto Guzmán was born on April 9, 1963, in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico. Growing up in a region known for producing exceptional baseball talent, Guzmán developed a passion for the game early in life. His skill on the mound quickly became evident, and he was scouted for his smooth pitching mechanics and strong arm. In 1981, at just 18 years old, Guzmán signed as an amateur free agent with the Texas Rangers, joining their farm system. It was the beginning of a journey that would eventually take him to the highest level of the sport.
Guzmán made his MLB debut with the Texas Rangers on September 10, 1985. In his rookie season, he showcased his potential with a mix of fastballs, sliders, and changeups. By 1986, Guzmán had become a regular part of the Rangers’ starting rotation. That season he posted a 4.54 ERA over 29 starts, finishing with a 9-15 record. His performance established him as a reliable arm in the Rangers’ rotation.
Guzmán’s early years with Texas highlighted his consistency and ability to pitch deep into games. However, his career faced a significant setback due to injuries, which sidelined him for the entire 1989 and 1990 seasons. After two years away from an MLB mound, Guzmán made a remarkable comeback in 1990, reestablishing himself as a dependable starter. He continued to pitch effectively for the Rangers, earning a reputation for his resilience and work ethic. He won the 1991 MLB Comeback Player of the Year, going 13-7 with a 3.08 ERA.
One of Guzmán’s career highlights came on April 6,1993 after moving to the Cubs, when he pitched a near-perfect game against the Atlanta Braves, allowing just one hit and falling just short of perfection. He would have been the first Cub to pitch a no-hitter since Milt Pappas in 1972. Unfortunately, injuries continued to plague Guzmán, and after the 1994 season, he retired from professional baseball.
Over the course of his career, José Guzmán played in 193 games, starting 186 of them. His career highlights include:
- Record: 80-74
- ERA: 4.05
- Strikeouts: 889
- Complete Games: 26
- Shutouts: 4
Guzmán’s perseverance through injuries and his ability to adapt made him a respected figure among teammates and fans.
After retiring from professional baseball, José Guzmán dedicated himself to giving back to the sport and his community. He became a mentor for young players, sharing his knowledge and experience to help develop the next generation of talent. Guzmán also worked as a broadcaster, providing color commentary for Texas Rangers games in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His insights and engaging personality made him a beloved figure in the booth.
In addition to his work in baseball, Guzmán has been active in charitable efforts, particularly in his native Puerto Rico, where he has supported youth baseball programs and community initiatives.
José Guzmán’s career may not have been defined by overwhelming accolades, but his impact on the game is undeniable. He is remembered as a steady and reliable pitcher who overcame significant challenges to carve out a successful career in the Major Leagues.
His work as a mentor, broadcaster, and community leader has further solidified his legacy as a figure who continues to inspire both on and off the field. For José Guzmán, baseball was not just a career—it was a platform to make a lasting difference.
The Score on Jose Guzman – 7.0
Jose is an example of one of my favorite types of returns – coaching and broadcasting returns via the team. If you do the research and scour the team websites you can get a good list of former players that work the Spanish and radio broadcasts OR are coaching that are not the manager, hitting coaches, etc.. Jose is a good person to request but I will say he can be inconsistent sometimes. There are times when he signs three and others when he signs too.
Thanks Mr. Guzman! I’m giving this return a 7 overall.
To see the other returns I’ve received from him in the past, check out these posts:
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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Baseball Reference.