Elicia Briones

Written by Elicia Briones

Published: 22 Jul 2025

35-facts-about-julio-urias
Source: Reuters.com

Who is Julio Urias? Born in Culiacán, Mexico, Julio Urias is a professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Known for his left-handed pitching, he has become a key player in Major League Baseball (MLB). What makes him special? Urias has overcome significant challenges, including multiple eye surgeries, to rise to the top of his game. Why should you care? His journey from a small town in Mexico to MLB stardom is inspiring. What will you learn? This blog post will share 35 intriguing facts about Julio Urias, from his early life to his career milestones. Get ready to dive into the life of this remarkable athlete!

Table of Contents

Early Life and Background

Julio Urias, a name synonymous with baseball excellence, has a fascinating backstory. Let's dive into some intriguing facts about his early life and background.

  1. Born on August 12, 1996, in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, Julio Urias grew up in a baseball-loving family.
  2. His father, Carlos Urias, was a semi-professional baseball player, which greatly influenced Julio's passion for the sport.
  3. At the age of 14, Julio underwent three surgeries to remove a benign tumor from his left eye, which affected his vision but never his determination.
  4. Despite his eye condition, Julio's talent was undeniable, and scouts quickly took notice of his pitching prowess.
  5. Julio signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a 16-year-old in 2012, showcasing his potential early on.

Rise to Stardom

Julio's journey to Major League Baseball (MLB) stardom is nothing short of inspirational. Here are some key moments that defined his rise.

  1. In 2013, at just 16, Julio made his professional debut with the Great Lakes Loons, a Class A team in the Midwest League.
  2. He quickly became the youngest player in the league, impressing everyone with his fastball and maturity on the mound.
  3. By 2014, Julio was ranked as one of the top 100 prospects in baseball by MLB Pipeline.
  4. In 2016, at the age of 19, he made his MLB debut with the Dodgers, becoming the youngest starting pitcher to debut in the majors since Felix Hernandez in 2005.
  5. Julio's first MLB win came on June 28, 2016, against the Milwaukee Brewers, solidifying his place in the Dodgers' rotation.

Achievements and Records

Julio Urias has achieved numerous milestones throughout his career. Here are some of his most notable accomplishments.

  1. In 2020, Julio played a crucial role in helping the Dodgers win their first World Series title since 1988.
  2. He recorded the final out in Game 6 of the World Series, securing the championship for the Dodgers.
  3. Julio finished the 2020 postseason with a 4-0 record and a 1.17 ERA, earning widespread acclaim.
  4. In 2021, he became the first pitcher in MLB to reach 20 wins, finishing the season with a 20-3 record.
  5. Julio was named the National League Pitcher of the Month in August 2021, highlighting his consistent excellence.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond the baseball diamond, Julio Urias has a rich personal life and diverse interests. Let's explore some lesser-known aspects of his life.

  1. Julio is known for his humility and strong work ethic, often crediting his family and faith for his success.
  2. He is an avid fan of Mexican music, particularly Banda and Norteño genres.
  3. Julio enjoys spending time with his family and friends during the offseason, often returning to his hometown of Culiacán.
  4. He is actively involved in charitable activities, supporting various causes in his community.
  5. Julio has a close bond with his teammates, often seen as a mentor to younger players on the Dodgers.

Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

Julio Urias's journey has not been without challenges. His resilience in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.

  1. Despite his eye condition, Julio has never let it hinder his performance, often using it as motivation to excel.
  2. He faced scrutiny and pressure as a young prospect, but his determination and focus helped him rise above it.
  3. Julio has dealt with injuries throughout his career, including shoulder surgery in 2017, but he always bounced back stronger.
  4. His ability to stay calm under pressure has earned him the nickname "El Culichi," a reference to his hometown's residents known for their resilience.
  5. Julio's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work.

Future Prospects

Julio Urias's career is still unfolding, and the future looks incredibly bright for this talented pitcher.

  1. At just 27 years old, Julio has many more years of baseball ahead of him, with potential to break more records.
  2. He is seen as a cornerstone of the Dodgers' pitching staff, expected to lead the team for years to come.
  3. Julio's consistent performance has made him a fan favorite and a role model for aspiring baseball players.
  4. He continues to refine his pitching techniques, always striving for improvement.
  5. Julio's dedication to the sport and his team ensures that he will remain a key player in MLB.

Fun Facts

Let's wrap up with some fun and quirky facts about Julio Urias that you might not know.

  1. Julio's favorite food is tacos, a staple of Mexican cuisine.
  2. He has a pet dog named "Pelusa," which means "Fluff" in Spanish.
  3. Julio is a big fan of soccer and supports the Mexican national team.
  4. He enjoys playing video games during his downtime, with FIFA being one of his favorites.
  5. Julio's jersey number, 7, is a tribute to his father, who wore the same number during his playing days.

Julio Urias: A Pitcher Like No Other

Julio Urias has proven himself to be a standout pitcher in Major League Baseball. From his early days in Mexico to his rise with the Los Angeles Dodgers, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. His impressive stats, including his stellar ERA and strikeout numbers, highlight his skill and dedication. Urias's ability to perform under pressure, especially in crucial playoff games, sets him apart from many of his peers. Off the field, his commitment to his community and his humble nature make him a role model for aspiring athletes. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just someone who appreciates a good success story, Julio Urias's career offers plenty to admire. Keep an eye on this talented pitcher; he's sure to continue making headlines and breaking records in the seasons to come.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.