Baseball:

By Brian Reed-Baiotto

Justin Gutierrez was ‘heart broken’ when COVID-19 cut his high school baseball career short.

And it wasn’t just because he wanted to finish out the final two-thirds of his senior season.

It was also because in 2020, Gutierrez had gone from PO (pitcher only) to the second best hitter in the Bulldogs’ lineup.

He still held the role of ace, but he was now an everyday guy, who contributed with both his bat and glove in the PHS outfield.

In fact, at different times this year, he played all three outfield positions.

Gutierrez didn’t get his first varsity start until the third game of his junior year.

And on the way to Temple City, PHS coach Mike Parisi hadn’t made the final decision as to who would get the start.

Being the prepared athlete that he is, Gutierrez stepped up big time when Parisi gave him the nod.

“Coach Parisi told me to go to the dugout and get myself together,” Gutierrez said. “I had butterflies in my stomach and I wasn’t 100-percent confident, but I just went out there and competed, and I was very happy with the results.”

Gutierrez scattered a couple hits that day, and Pasadena headed home with a 6-0 victory.

As impressive as his varsity career started on February 19, it was an April 12th home game against Glendale that put Gutierrez on the map.

The PHS right-hander threw a no-hitter and struck out eight in a 2-0 Pacific League victory over the Nitros.

He faced one over the minimum and his one walk kept Gutierrez from throwing a perfect game.

He can distinctly recall each of the three outs in the seventh inning.

The first was a fly ball to right field, and then shortstop Hugo Escobedo saved the day twice.

“The second out was line drive up the middle that Hugo Escobedo reached out for, turned a 360 and then threw to first base in time,” he said. “And then, with a 3-and-1 count, a Glendale batter hit a grounder between third and shortstop. Hugo dove, got up, launched a strong throw to first, and got him by a step and a half. I was so thankful to Hugo that I gave him a kiss on the head.”

In 2019, Gutierrez finished 4-2, with a 2.40 ERA and registered two saves in closing out a pair of wins for the Bulldogs.

He walked 23 and fanned 52 batters over his 55 1/3 innings of work.

Over the summer, Gutierrez spent a lot of time perfecting his craft and getting ready for what looked to be a very solid 2020 season for himself and the Bulldogs program.

Nine games in, though, a pandemic ruined his steep ascension as both a pitcher and hitter.

For the shortened season, Gutierrez was 1-2 on the mound with a pair of saves and a 1.75 ERA.

He walked 13 and struck out 18 in 20 innings.

Gutierrez had also gone from using two pitches in 2019 to four in 2020, and his velocity and mechanics continued to improve as well.

At the plate, though, is where Gutierrez surprised many.

He batted .381, with eight hits, three runs scored, six RBIs, three doubles, and a .480 on-base percentage.

Gutierrez was second in average, hits and doubles and was third best in RBIs for PHS this season.

“What made this so devastating to me was not being able to finish out the season with my guys, because we all got along so well and felt like this was going to be a really big year for PHS baseball. We all worked so hard to be prepared for the season and it just got wiped out.”

Gutierrez also believes he matured as a pitcher in that he didn’t have to strike out every batter.

He trusted his defense to make plays behind him.

These days, Gutierrez works out, does cardio and throws into a net in his backyard.

He’s also watched a ton of Netflix and playing modern warfare.

Justin said one of the few upsides to this pandemic is the ability to spend quality time with his 11-year old brother, Jayden.

Gutierrez unabashedly acknowledged, and rightfully so, that his mother, Lorena Espinoza, is Justin’s biggest fan and best friend.

His dad, Raul Gutierrez, is someone he credits with pushing Justin to be the best version of himself.

“Both of my parents have contributed to my life in many ways and I love that my little brother is involved in things I do,” Justin said. “My mom does everything her kids need and is always putting us first. She’s the best mom a boy could hope to have. I do appreciate my dad telling me things I need to hear.”

Lastly, we asked Gutierrez to touch on his legacy and the example he set for the younger players.

“I hope my teammates remember me as a guy who didn’t care about labels like ‘ace’ or where I hit in the lineup. I just wanted to do my job and loved every moment I got to spend with my boys. I want them to know they are my brothers and that I love them and will always be there for them. I also appreciated my time just being a PHS student. I have always felt like Pasadena was home for me.”

Quotable:

PHS coach, Barry Bacon: “Determination and fortitude. The Pasadena High School baseball coaching staff humbly acknowledges the outstanding efforts of senior pitcher and outfielder, Justin Guitierrez. In the fall, Justin will continue his pursuit of his dream of playing college baseball at PCC. We celebrate his determination and fortitude to prove to everyone that he was more than just a pitcher. While stepping up as one of our elite starting pitchers, Justin was second in hits, extra base hits and third in RBI’s for the Bulldogs. I can attest to the fact that Justin had become the all-around player that he knew in his heart he could be. Thank you for your commitment to your abilities and to the PHS baseball program. Justin was our second best offensive player, who did not get an at-bat as a junior, because he was a “PO”. I hate that term (pitcher only). He wanted to prove to everyone that he could be an all-around player; And he was well on his way. He also was our No. 1 pitcher on the mound. He is also a great dugout guy and a quiet leader.”

Former PHS coach, Mike Parisi: “My pitching coach Michael Gonzalez and I have a great relationship with Justin. It was fun watching him develop into the pitcher he has become. We taught him mental toughness and how to compete every pitch. He has one of the best change-ups in the area. We were there to see him throw his no-hitter as a junior. He was a San Gabriel Valley all-star. Justin has a huge upside in the years to come as long as he keeps working. He was part of that PHS 1-2 duo on the mound this season, along with junior Desi Lopez. He is such a great kid on and off the field, and well liked by his teammates. Once a Bulldog always a Bulldog.”

Muir coach, Adonis Harrison: “Justin Gutierrez is a straighter baller! I think Justin will have a bright future in the game of baseball. He has a live arm and he has good size on the mound. He’s a bulldog on the mound and he competes hard. I wish him nothing but the best!”

PHS junior, Michael Gonzalez: “As a pitcher, Justin is very hard working, level headed and gets the job done. As a competitor, he motivates others and is very passionate about the game. As a teammate, he’s a great friend and has a big heart. Justin is the type of person who demands the best from himself and brings out the best in others. It’s been my pleasure to be his friend and one of his teammates, and I wish him the best now and always.”

Justin Gutierrez Career Stats:

2020 Pitching: 1-2, 1.75 ERA, 2 Saves, 13 walks,18 strikeouts in 20 innings

2020 Batting: .381, eight hits, three runs, six RBIs, three doubles, .480 on-base percentage

2019: 4-2, 2.40 ERA, 2 saves, 23 walks, 52 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings

PHS Records:

2020: (5-3-1, 0-2)

2019: (11-14, 6-8)

To view Justin’s photo gallery, click on the Facebook link here: Facebook