Cesar Gerónimo

Cesar Francisco Gerónimo Zorrilla
(The Chief)

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 6' 2", Weight 170 lb.
• High School Seminario Pontificio Santo Tomás de Aquino
• Debut April 16, 1969
• Final Game August 28, 1983
• Born March 11, 1948 in El Seibo, El Seibo, D.R.

BR page

Biographical Information

Cesar Geronimo played the heart of his 15-year major league career with the Cincinnati Reds, and was the regular center fielder for the Big Red Machine. He won four Gold Gloves. 5 of his 14 World Series hits went for extra bases, including two home runs. He was also a tremendous defensive outfielder, something which motivated Reds manager Sparky Anderson to keep him in the line-up even if his offensive production left something to be desired: he had plenty of offensive weapons at his disposal, and could afford to carry a glove-first outfielder. Indeed, he won four Gold Gloves during his career.

He was the 3,000th strikeout victim for Hall of Famers Bob Gibson *AND* Nolan Ryan.

He was originally destined to be a catholic priest, as his parents had enrolled him in a prestigious seminary school in the capital, Santo Domingo. However, his athletic talent determined another destiny for him.

Gerónimo was later a Latin American crosschecker for the Cleveland Indians and a scout for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He signed Justin Martínez. In July 2008, he was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame.

His son, Cesar Gerónimo, Jr., played in the minor leagues from 1995 to 1998.

Notable Achievements

• 4-time NL Gold Glove Winner (1974-1977)
• Won two World Series with the Cincinnati Reds (1975 & 1976)

Related Sites

• Cesar Geronimo at the SABR Bio Project