Ubaldo Jimenez
The right-handed pitcher who threw the first no-hitter in Rockies history and started the 2010 All-Star Game.
via Wikipedia: Ubaldo Jiménez · see source
Ubaldo Jiménez García (born January 22, 1984) is a Dominican-American former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Colorado Rockies, Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles. He started the 2010 MLB All-Star Game. That year, he pitched the first no-hitter in Rockies' franchise history. Jiménez earned his 100th MLB victory on September 22, 2015, as a member of the Orioles, while pitching against the Washington Nationals.
- Affiliation
- Colorado Rockies (2006–2011)
- Debut Era
- Mid-2000s
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Jiménez signed with the Colorado Rockies on April 25, 2001, for $50,000 in part because they allowed him to skip training to finish high school. He made his MLB debut on September 26, 2006, as a relief pitcher. On April 17, 2010, Jiménez no-hit the Atlanta Braves 4–0 at Turner Field, the first no-hitter in the history of the franchise. He walked 6 batters, struck out 7, and threw a career-high 128 pitches. The no-hitter was preserved by a diving catch in center field by Dexter Fowler in the bottom of the seventh inning. Jiménez's fastball reached 100 mph three times during the game, and it averaged 96.8 mph. He was named the NL Pitcher of the Month for April and May 2010, becoming the first pitcher in Rockies history to win the award more than once. Jiménez finished the 2010 season 19–8 with 214 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.88 in 221+2⁄3 innings pitched. His 19 wins set a single-season Rockies record.
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 started the 2007 season back in the minors but was promoted to the Rockies in July. He earned his first MLB win on July 29, at home against the Dodgers. He pitched six innings, giving up four hits and two earned runs. The Rockies won, 9–6. On September 5, he gave up Barry Bonds's 762nd and final career home run. In 2008, Jiménez went 12–12 with a 3.99 earned run average. His 34 starts led the National League. He threw the fastest fastball among starters in the majors, averaging 94.9 mph. In January 2009, Jiménez signed a four-year, $10 million contract with club options for 2013 and 2014. In his second full season in the majors, he went 15–12 with a 3.47 ERA. Jiménez pitched at least six innings in a franchise-record 25 consecutive starts from May 1 to September 7. Jiménez was the third pitcher in MLB history to win 11 out of his first 12 games and have an ERA below 1.00 (0.93). He had the lowest ERA (0.78) in MLB history through 11 starts.
Did You Know?
- Jiménez pitched the first no-hitter in Rockies franchise history on April 17, 2010, against the Atlanta Braves.
- He started the 2010 MLB All-Star Game for the National League.
- Jiménez set a franchise record with 19 wins in the 2010 season.
- He threw the fastest fastball among starters in the majors in 2008, averaging 94.9 mph.
- Jiménez gave up Barry Bonds's 762nd and final career home run on September 5, 2007.
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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