Julio Gotay

Who was Julio Gotay?

Julio Enrique Gotay Sánchez was a professional baseball player who played parts of 10 seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, California Angels, and Houston Astros of Major League Baseball. He is the uncle of infielder Rubén Gotay.

He was primarily a utility infielder and outfielder. He made his Major League debut at age 21 on August 6, 1960 as the host Cardinals defeated the Cincinnati Reds 6-5. In his first career at-bat he got his first hit; pinch-hitting for pitcher Ed Bauta in the sixth inning, he singled off Joe Nuxhall.

He had his most productive season for the Cardinals in 1962. That season he started 105 games at shortstop, batting .255 with two home runs, 12 doubles and 27 RBI in 406 plate appearances. He played in 298 games in the Major Leagues.

After retiring from baseball, he spent many years as a school master in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

He died of prostate cancer on July 4, 2008 at age 69 in Ponce. He was survived by his wife of 48 years, Silvia, and four children.