Vladimir Guerrero (born February 9, 1976 in Nizao, Peravia, Dominican Republic) is a Major League Baseball player currently with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He is widely recognized as one of the best all-around players in the Majors because he regularly hits for power and a high average, steals bases, has a reputation of having one of the best outfield arms in baseball, and fields his position at a high level. He is also regarded as an excellent "bad ball hitter" for his successful attempts to hit balls thrown outside of the strike zone. His nickname among peers and commentators is "Vladdy" (or "Big Daddy Vladdy"). Another popular nickname of his is "Vlad the Impaler" for his hard-hitting ability against other teams.
Guerrero was a free agent for the first time after the 2003 season, and he signed with the then-Anaheim Angels, after being courted by several teams. The owner of the Angels, Arte Moreno, is the first Latino controlling owner of a Major League ballclub, and Guerrero has cited Moreno's Latin heritage as one motivating factor for choosing the Angels over other teams.
