1. Overview
Osmani Urrutia Ramírez (born June 29, 1976), also spelled Osmany, is a Cuban baseball player who primarily played as a right fielder. Known for his exceptional batting prowess, Urrutia achieved remarkable success in the Cuban National Series, leading the league in batting average for multiple consecutive seasons. He was also a prominent member of the Cuba national baseball team, contributing to numerous medal victories in major international tournaments, including gold medals at the Olympic Games and multiple Baseball World Cup titles.
2. Early Life and Domestic Career
Osmani Urrutia's early life and foundational baseball career were centered in Cuba, where he quickly distinguished himself in the national league before gaining international recognition.
2.1. Birth and Background
Osmani Urrutia Ramírez was born on June 29, 1976, in Jobabo, a municipality located in the Las Tunas Province of Cuba.
2.2. Cuban National Series Career
Urrutia spent his domestic career playing for the Las Tunas Magos in the Cuban National Series, Cuba's premier baseball league. His time in the league was marked by extraordinary hitting ability and consistent high performance.
2.2.1. Batting Prowess
Urrutia gained significant recognition for his exceptional batting skills. He achieved a remarkable feat by hitting over .400 for three consecutive years in the Cuban National Series. His batting averages during these seasons were:
- .431 in the 2000-2001 season
- .408 in the 2001-2002 season
- .421 in the 2002-2003 season
2.2.2. Awards and Honors
Urrutia's stellar performance in the Cuban National Series was recognized with individual accolades. He was named the Cuban National Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2003-2004 season, a testament to his impact and dominance in the league.
3. International Career
Osmani Urrutia represented the Cuba national baseball team in numerous high-profile international competitions, where he played a crucial role in securing multiple medals for his country.
3.1. Major Tournament Participation
Urrutia participated in a wide array of significant international baseball tournaments throughout his career, showcasing his talent on the global stage. These included:
- 2001 Baseball World Cup (held in Taiwan)
- World Cup of Baseball in the Netherlands (participated in both the 2000 and 2001 editions)
- 2003 Pan American Games (held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)
- 2003 Baseball World Cup (held in Cuba)
- 2004 Summer Olympics (held in Athens, Greece)
- 2005 Baseball World Cup (held in Rotterdam, Netherlands)
- 2006 World Baseball Classic
- 2006 Central American and Caribbean Games (held in Cartagena, Colombia)
- 2006 Intercontinental Cup (held in Taichung, Taiwan)
- 2007 Baseball World Cup (held in Taipei, Taiwan)
- 2007 Pan American Games (held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
3.2. Medal Achievements
Urrutia was a consistent medal winner for the Cuban national team, contributing to several gold and silver finishes in major tournaments. His medal haul includes:
| Competition | Year | Medal |
|---|---|---|
| World Baseball Classic | 2006 | Silver |
| Olympic Games | 2004 | Gold |
| Baseball World Cup | 2001 | Gold |
| Baseball World Cup | 2003 | Gold |
| Baseball World Cup | 2005 | Gold |
| Baseball World Cup | 2007 | Silver |
| Intercontinental Cup | 2006 | Gold |
| Pan American Games | 2003 | Gold |
| Pan American Games | 2007 | Gold |
| Central American and Caribbean Games | 2006 | Gold |
3.3. Key Performances
Urrutia delivered notable performances in various international competitions, showcasing his hitting prowess on crucial occasions.
During the 2005 Baseball World Cup, he achieved a batting average of .387, collecting 12 hits and five RBIs in 31 at-bats.
In the 2006 World Baseball Classic, Urrutia maintained a .387 batting average across eight games. He hit one home run and recorded seven RBIs, playing a key role in leading the Cuban team to the championship game. Cuba ultimately lost to the Japanese team with a score of 10-6 in the final.
4. Play Style and Attributes
Osmani Urrutia was primarily known for his role as a right fielder on the baseball field. He batted and threw with his right hand, making him a right-handed hitter and thrower. His physical attributes were recorded as 5.8 ft (1.78 m) (approximately 5 feet 10 inches) in height and 229 lb (104 kg) (approximately 229 pounds) in weight.
5. Legacy and Evaluation
Osmani Urrutia Ramírez is regarded as one of Cuba's most successful hitters and a cornerstone of the Cuban national baseball team during his era.
5.1. Sporting Impact and Recognition
Urrutia's consistent ability to achieve high batting averages, especially his three consecutive .400+ seasons in the Cuban National Series, established him as a dominant offensive force domestically. His contributions were vital to the Cuban national team's sustained success in international tournaments, where they regularly competed for and won medals. His presence in the lineup provided a reliable bat for Cuba, cementing his legacy as a highly influential player in Cuban baseball.
5.2. Major Achievements and Records
Throughout his career, Osmani Urrutia accumulated an impressive list of achievements and records:
- Three consecutive seasons (2000-2003) with a batting average over .400 in the Cuban National Series.
- Recipient of the Cuban National Series Most Valuable Player award for the 2003-2004 season.
- Gold medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
- Multiple gold medals at the Baseball World Cup (2001, 2003, 2005), Pan American Games (2003, 2007), Central American and Caribbean Games (2006), and Intercontinental Cup (2006).
- Silver medalist at the 2006 World Baseball Classic and the 2007 Baseball World Cup.