Vital Statistics:
Born: August 17, 1971
Hometown: Santurce, Puerto Rico
Height: 6-2
Weight: 205
Bats: Switch
Throws: Right
Family: Wife, Laura; son Jorge Jr., daughter Paulina
Primary position: Catcher
Before The Bigs:
- Drafted by the 43rd round (1,114th overall) by the New York Yankees in 1989 but did not sign. Was drafted again in the 24th round in 1990 by the Yankees (629th overall) and signed following his season at Calhoun Community College in Alabama.
- Hit .277 with 12 home runs in his first full season at Single-A Greensboro in 1991, then hit 17 home runs at Single-A Prince William in 1992.
- Was the starter at catcher at Triple-A Columbus for three seasons (1994-96). His development was slowed by a broken leg suffered in a home plate collision in 1994.
Career Highlights:
- Was backup to Joe Girardi in 1996, then became the Yankees' full-time catcher in 1997.
- Played for four championship teams (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000) and six pennant-winning teams.
- Five-time AL All-Star at catcher (2000-03, 2007).
- Had his best season at the plate in 2003, when he hit a career-high 30 home runs and had 101 RBI.
