Ubaldo Jimenez
Dominican-American former MLB pitcher; threw first no-hitter in Rockies history; started 2010 All-Star Game.
Ubaldo Jiménez García (born January 22, 1984) is a Dominican-American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Colorado Rockies, Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles. Jiménez started the 2010 MLB All-Star Game. That year, he pitched the first no-hitter in Rockies' franchise history.
- Affiliation
- Colorado Rockies (2006–2011)
- Debut Era
- Mid-2000s
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Jiménez was named the NL Pitcher of the Month for April 2010, becoming the second pitcher in Rockies history to win the award. He was again named NL Pitcher of the Month for May 2010, becoming the first pitcher in Rockies history to win the award more than once.
In Their Own Story
On July 4, 2010, Jiménez was one of two Rockies, along with shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, selected to play in the MLB All-Star Game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. He entered the game leading the majors with a 15–1 record and 2.20 ERA. On July 12, Jiménez was named the starting pitcher for the NL All-Star team ahead of Tim Lincecum, Roy Halladay, and Adam Wainwright. In two scoreless innings, he threw 25 pitches with two hits, one strikeout, and one walk. The NL won their first All-Star Game since 1996. Jiménez finished the season on a rough note, going 4–7 after the All-Star break. The following season, Jiménez through 21 starts was 6–9 for the Rockies, who at the time were considering trading him. On July 31, 2011, the Rockies traded Jiménez to the Cleveland Indians for Alex White, Joe Gardner, Matt McBride, and Drew Pomeranz.
Reader's Guide
Jiménez signed with the Colorado Rockies on April 25, 2001. He made his MLB debut on September 26, 2006. He earned his first MLB win on July 29, 2007. On April 17, 2010, he no-hit the Atlanta Braves, the first no-hitter in Rockies history. He was traded to the Cleveland Indians on July 31, 2011. He signed with the Baltimore Orioles on February 19, 2014. He earned his 100th MLB victory on September 22, 2015.
Did You Know?
- Jiménez threw the fastest fastball among starters in the majors in 2008, averaging 94.9 mph.
- He set a franchise record for consecutive scoreless innings by a starting pitcher (22+1/3) in 2010, later extended to 33 straight scoreless innings, a franchise record for all pitchers.
- Jiménez was the first pitcher since Jack Morris in 1986 to have two streaks of at least 25 consecutive scoreless innings in one season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ubaldo Jimenez?
Ubaldo Jimenez was a fiery left-handed starting pitcher who played for the Colorado Rockies from 2010 to 2013. He quickly became one of the most electrifying arms in franchise history, known for his aggressive style and ability to dominate hitters at Coors Field.
What were Ubaldo Jimenez's primary strengths?
His signature trait was a blazing fastball that generated immense velocity, allowing him to overpower batters despite the thin air. This raw power, combined with an unrefined but effective arsenal, made him a terrifying opponent during his peak years in Denver.
What is Ubaldo Jimenez's most significant achievement?
He reached the pinnacle of his career by earning All-Star honors and finishing as the runner-up for the National League Cy Young Award. This recognition highlighted his status as one of the league's elite pitchers during that specific era.
Why is Ubaldo Jimenez important to Rockies history?
He represents a rare moment when a young pitcher seemed capable of conquering the notorious pitching challenges at Coors Field. His brief tenure defined an era of high-octane excitement and remains one of the most memorable chapters in the team's past.
What happened after Ubaldo Jimenez left the Rockies?
After his successful run in Colorado, he was traded to other teams before eventually retiring from Major League Baseball. His story serves as a testament to the fleeting but brilliant impact he had during his time with the Rockies.
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