Luis Sojo - Biography

Last Editor: LJM73				Luis Sojo Biography -   Name : Luis Sojo Profession : Baseball Player Birth Details : born January 3, 1965 in Petare, Miranda State, Venezuela Birth name : Luis Beltran (Sojo) Sojo Height : 5' 11" (1.80 m)

Luis Sojo Trivia -

Made a Major League comeback after a nearly 2-season absence in 2003 witht he New York Yankees. He went hitless. Has been named the New York Yankees third base coach starting in the 2004 season. 2B/SS/3B/1B/OF for Toronto Blue Jays (1990 and 1993), California Angels (1991-92), Seattle Mariners (1994-96), New York Yankees (1996-2001 and 2003) and Pittsburgh Pirates (2000). Member of 1993 World Series Champion Toronto Blue Jays team. Member of 1995 American League Western Division Champion Seattle Mariners team. Member of 1996 and 1998-2000 World Series Champion New York Yankees teams. Member of 2001 and 2003 American League Champion New York Yankees teams. Led American League in Sacrifice Hits (19) in 1991.

Luis Sojo Detailed Biography -

Luis Beltrán Sojo (born January 3, 1965 in Petare, Miranda State, Venezuela) is a former Major League Baseball infielder and right-handed batter who played with the Toronto Blue Jays (1990, 1993), California Angels (1991-92), Seattle Mariners (1994-96), New York Yankees (1996-2001, 2003) and Pittsburgh Pirates (2000). In his career, Sojo filled a role as a utility infielder for the Blue Jays, Angels, Mariners, Pirates and, most notably, for the Yankees. He is regarded by many sportwriters and Yankees fans as one of the most important and best reserve players in the team's history. Not classically athletic, he was a natural shortstop in the minors, but took on an expanded role in emergency situations, initially and most commonly as a second baseman, and eventually as a third baseman, first baseman and left fielder as well. Sojo had limited power and did not draw many walks, but he was a good contact hitter, especially for someone who made a habit of falling behind in the count during his minor league tenure. He did show an ability to put the ball in play with a low strikeout rate (one for 13 at-bats). Some of his great contributions came when going to the opposite field in hit and run situations and with infield hits. An avid bunter, he led the league in sacrifice hits in 1991 (21). Though not a threat as a base stealer, he was a competent base runner. In the field, Sojo had a good range and a good arm, showing quick hands and slick moves. In October 2000, Sojo turned from a role player to a World Series hero in the decisive Game 5 of the Subway Series against the New York Mets. With the score tied at two in the ninth inning and two outs, Sojo delivered a two-RBI single against Al Leiter. The Yankees won their 26th World Series, third consecutive, fourth in the Joe Torre era, and Sojo obtained his fourth series ring. In 13 seasons, Sojo batted .261 (671-for-2571) with 36 home runs, 261 RBI, 300 runs, 103 doubles, 12 triples, and 28 stolen bases in 848 games. He currently serves as a coach (baseball) for the Yankees. Hit a two-outs bases-clearing broken-bat double against California Angels Mark Langston to lead Seattle to its very first AL West division title, with four runs scoring on the play: Sojo took third on the throw to the plate, and scored after the Langston's frustrated relay ended up in the backstop - one of the most dramatic plays ever in MLB history (1995) Hit .400 with one RBI in 10 post-season games (1996) Batted a career-high .307 in his first full season as a Yankee (1997) Tied for second on the team with nine RBI in 15 post-season games (2000) Drove in the WS winning run (2000) Four batting titles in the Venezuelan Winter League (.351, 1989-90; .362, 1990-91; .375, 1993-94; .376, 1994-95) List of Venezuelan players in MLB