Jorge Polanco and Placido Planco share the same Dominican surname but don’t have any familial connection. They share the same passion for baseball.
Plácido is a former professional baseball player, and Jorge plays baseball as an infielder for the Seattle Mariners.
While Jorge and Placido’s shared surname and Dominican heritage can be confusing, they are simply two great players who happen to share the same last name.
The St. Louis Cardinals drafted Placido in the 19th round of the 1994 MLB draft and transferred him to the Philadelphia Phillies on July 29, 2002.
Similarly, he has played for the Detroit Tigers and the Miami Marlins before retiring on August 14, 2016. He was twice voted to start in Major League Baseball All-Star Games in 2007 and 2011.
On the other hand, the Minnesota Twins signed Jorge as an international free agent in 2009, and he made his debut in 2010 for the Dominican Summer League Twins.
On June 26, 2014, he made his MLB debut, drawing a walk as a pinch hitter. He signed a five-year contract extension during spring training in 2019 and traded to the Seattle Mariners on January 29, 2024.
Jorge Polanco and Placido Polanco: Same Name, No Relation
Despite sharing an uncommon last name and both being talented infielders from the Dominican Republic, Jorge Polanco and Placido Polanco are not connected by blood.
They aren’t related and have an age gap of 17 years.
Jorge Luis Pacheco Polanco, the son of Ines Pacheco and Marino Polanco, was born on July 5, 1993, in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic.
Marino briefly played in the San Francisco Giants organization before moving to New York, but the rest of the family remained in the Dominican Republic.
Thus, Jorge didn’t meet his father in person until he was four years old. He grew up with his sister, Yinet.
Happy Father’s Day to my old man who thinks he’s young, LOVE you, my old man. Happy Father’s Day!
Jorge Polanco
Moreover, Jorge grew up playing baseball with future Twins teammate Miguel Sanó as their mothers worked together in the factory.
He signed with the Twins at the home of his grandparents, Maximo Polanco and Melida Pegero, with both his mother’s and father’s family present.
Happy birthday to one of the most special people in my life, my beautiful mother the best mother God could not have given me, I wish God continues to give you life, honesty, strength, love, so you say it by giving as you know how to do, I love you mother.
Jorge Polanco
On the other hand, 50-year-old Plácido Enrique Polanco was born on October 10, 1975, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
The former professional baseball player hasn’t opened up much about his early life and background. His family’s encouragement and the vibrant baseball culture in his native country influenced his athletic goals.
He received his U.S. citizenship in a ceremony at Comerica Park, which took place before the Tigers–Indians game on July 9, 2008.
Jorge Polanco and Placido Polanco Have Different Family Backgrounds
The two Dominican professional baseball players, Jorge Polanco and Placido Polanco, aren’t even connected by their marriages.
Jorge Polanco is married to Lucero Polanco, and Placido Polanco is married to Lily Ruiz.
Jorge married his longtime girlfriend, Lucero, and they have been together for over a decade.
The married couple has four children. Their firstborn, Jorge Luis Jr., was born in 2017, and their secondborn, Justin Luis, was born in 2018.
Similarly, their thirdborn, Joey Luis, was born in 2021, and their fourthborn was born in 2025.
Another seed germinating in my belly 😍😍😍. I have received so many blessings from God and for that I can’t be more grateful to Him. Thank you my God for my family, my beloved husband 🥰🤤 my babies 👶🏼 👶🏼👶🏼
Lucero Polanco
Contrariwise, Placido is married to Lily Ruiz, and they have two children.
Their daughter, Aide Rose, was born on June 4, 2000, and their son, Ishmael, was born on November 3, 2003.
Placido has a close friendship with his former teammate, Albert Pujols, who is the godfather to Ishmael.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Plácido Polanco retired with the highest all-time career fielding percentage for second basemen at 99.27%.
- Jorge Polanco hit a home run twice in the game off the same pitcher, Tarik Skubal, in Game 2 of the American League Division Series on October 5, 2025.
