José Báez

Note: This page links to 1970s infielder Jose Baez. For the former Cuban league pitcher, click here.

José Antonio Báez
born José Antonio Mota Báez

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 8", Weight 160 lb.

• Debut April 6, 1977
• Final Game June 6, 1978
• Born December 31, 1953 in San Cristobal, San Cristobal, D.R.

BR page

Biographical Information

Jose Baez was the second baseman for the Seattle Mariners in their inaugural 1977 season. A Los Angeles Dodgers farmhand since 1972, Baez was purchased by the Mariners on October 22, 1976 as the M's acquired players prior to their first season. He wound up being the Opening Day starter at second base and recorded the first hit in franchise history, a single off California Angels hurler Frank Tanana, on April 6th. Baez's big league days were numbered, however, as even by the middle of 1977 the Mariners started the transition to Julio Cruz as their starting second baseman. he appeared in just 23 games in 1978, ending his days as a big leaguer, but continued to play in the minors until 1980.

Following his playing days, he was a coach for the Fort Wayne Wizards in 1995-1996 and New Britain Rock Cats in 1997. He managed the Dominican Republic national team in the 1998 Baseball World Cup. He is a cousin of Andy Mota, Jose Mota, Tony Mota, Gary Mota and Manny Mota.