Gio Urshela

Gio Urshela: biography

Gio Urshela is a professional baseball player from Colombia who currently plays as a third baseman for the Los Angeles Angels in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Childhood and youth

Gio Urshela was born on October 11, 1991, in Cartagena, Colombia. He grew up in a baseball-loving family, with his father being a baseball coach and his older brother also playing the sport. As a child, Urshela was already showing a talent for the game and began playing baseball at a young age.

Growing up in Colombia, Urshela faced some challenges in pursuing his baseball career. The infrastructure for baseball was not as developed as in other countries, and he had to work hard to overcome these obstacles. However, he was determined to succeed and continued to work on his skills.

In his teenage years, Urshela joined a baseball academy in Cartagena where he received professional training and honed his skills as a third baseman. He also played for the Colombian national baseball team in international tournaments.

In 2008, at the age of 16, Urshela was signed by the Cleveland Indians as an international free agent. He spent several years playing in the minor leagues, working his way up the ranks and gaining valuable experience.

Despite the challenges he faced, Urshela's hard work and dedication paid off, and he eventually made it to the MLB. Today, he is considered one of the best third basemen in the league and a role model for young baseball players, especially those from Latin America who face similar challenges in pursuing their dreams.

Baseball career

Gio Urshela began his professional baseball career in 2008 when he was signed by the Cleveland Indians as an international free agent. He spent several years playing in the minor leagues, where he developed his skills and gained valuable experience.

Urshela made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Cleveland Indians on June 9, 2015, at the age of 23. In his debut game, he went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, showcasing his talent as a hitter. However, it was his exceptional defensive skills that truly set him apart. He quickly established himself as one of the best defensive third basemen in the league, making spectacular plays with his quick reflexes, strong arm, and excellent footwork.

After spending parts of three seasons with the Cleveland Indians, Urshela was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018. He played in 19 games for the Blue Jays, but it was during his time with the New York Yankees that he truly made a name for himself.

Urshela was acquired by the New York Yankees in August 2018 and quickly became a fan favorite for his clutch hitting and outstanding defense. In 2019, he had a breakout season, batting .314 with 21 home runs and 74 RBIs, while also continuing to make highlight-reel defensive plays. He helped lead the Yankees to the playoffs, where he continued to shine with his stellar play.

In 2020, Urshela continued to impress, batting .298 with six home runs and 30 RBIs in the shortened season. He also continued to play exceptional defense, earning a nomination for the Gold Glove Award.

Urshela's success continued into the 2021 season, where he was a consistent presence in the Yankees' lineup and once again showcased his defensive prowess. He cemented his place as one of the best third basemen in the league and a valuable asset to the New York Yankees.

On November 18, 2022, Gio Urshela was traded from the Minnesota Twins to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for minor league pitcher Alejandro Hidalgo. As the 2023 season began, the Angels entrusted Urshela with the role of their regular shortstop.

Overall, Gio Urshela's career has been defined by his exceptional defensive skills, clutch hitting, and his determination to overcome the challenges he faced growing up in Colombia. He is a fan favorite and a respected player in the MLB, and his career trajectory suggests that he will continue to be a force in the league for years to come.

Personal life

Gio Urshela is a private person and has not shared much about his personal life in the media. However, it is known that he has been married to Danna Delgado since 2021.Gio has two sons Thiago and Seba from his previous relationship and a daughter from his current marriage with Danna Delgado.

Urshela is also known for his charity work and his efforts to help underprivileged children in Colombia. He has organized baseball clinics and camps for children in his hometown of Cartagena, providing them with the opportunity to develop their skills and pursue their dreams. He has also donated equipment and resources to local baseball programs to help support the growth of the sport in Colombia.

In addition to his charity work, Urshela is also a lover of music and enjoys playing the guitar in his spare time. He has been known to play music with his teammates and has even posted videos of himself playing the guitar on social media.

Achievements and accomplishments

• 2020 AL Gold Glove Award finalist at third base
• 2019 AL Player of the Week (June 3-9)
• 2019 ALDS Game 4 hero, hitting a grand slam and driving in five runs to help the Yankees advance to the ALCS
• 2019 Yankees Player of the Year
• 2015 MLB debut with the Cleveland Indians
• Has a career batting average of .273 with 35 home runs, 163 RBIs, and a .740 OPS as of the end of the 2021 season
• Known for his exceptional defensive skills, including quick reflexes, a strong arm, and excellent footwork
• Highly respected by teammates, coaches, and fans for his hard work, dedication, and positive attitude on and off the field
• Has played in the playoffs with both the Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees, making several key defensive plays and clutch hits in postseason games
• Active in charity work, particularly in his hometown of Cartagena, Colombia, where he has organized baseball clinics and camps for underprivileged children and donated equipment and resources to support local baseball programs.