Jaramillo to receive South Texas lifetime honor
The function gets underway at 6:30 p.m. in the Corpus Christi Ballroom of The Omni Bayfront hotel.
Jaramillo, the longest-tenured current MLB hitting coach with one team, was elected to the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003. Three years ago, he received the Joe Macko Award for long and meritorious service by a Texas Ranger.
After four seasons as hitting coach for the Houston Astros, Jaramillo joined the Rangers in 1994. Since then, his students have captured 16 Silver Slugger Awards, three home run titles and two RBI championships. Jaramillo-coached hitters have won four of the last 12 American League MVP awards. In 2005, he was selected Major League Coach of the Year by Baseball America.
Born 57 years ago in Beeville, Jaramillo lettered in baseball, football and track at Dallas Sunset High School. As a youth, he participated in Little League, Babe Ruth and American Legion programs. Following an All-American junior college career at Panola in Carthage, Texas, Jaramillo transferred to the University of Texas to play for legendary coach Cliff Gustafson. In 1973, he helped the 50-7 Longhorns to a third-place finish at the College World Series. That year, Jaramillo batted .313 with 30 RBIs, 12 stolen bases, eight doubles and five home runs as center fielder.
Jaramillo's association with the Rangers began when he was drafted in the 19th round out of UT. In a four-year minor league career (1973-76), he hit .258 with 242 hits, 113 runs scored and 120 RBIs with Sarasota, Pittsfield and San Antonio.
For South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet ticket and sponsorship information, call the Corpus Christi Hooks at (361) 561-HOOK. Proceeds benefit the Hooks' Field of Dreams program. Go to cchooks.com for more information.