Bartolo Colon, affectionately known as "Big Sexy," enjoyed a lengthy and colorful career in Major League Baseball as a pitcher. Born in the Dominican Republic, Colon's journey to the major leagues began when he signed with the Cleveland Indians. He made his MLB debut with the Indians, quickly establishing himself as a reliable starting pitcher. His early years with Cleveland were marked by impressive performances, including a 20-win season in 2002, which earned him a spot in the All-Star Game.
After his time with the Indians, Colon was traded to the Montreal Expos in 2002, where he continued to demonstrate his pitching prowess. His tenure with the Expos was short-lived, as he was traded to the Chicago White Sox in 2003. With the White Sox, Colon maintained his reputation as a workhorse, consistently delivering quality starts.
In 2004, Colon signed with the Anaheim Angels, where he achieved one of the highlights of his career. During the 2005 season, he won the American League Cy Young Award, becoming the first Angels pitcher to receive the honor since 1964. That year, Colon led the league with 21 wins, solidifying his status as one of the top pitchers in the game.
Colon faced challenges in the following years, including injuries that limited his playing time. Despite these setbacks, he continued to find opportunities with various teams. He had stints with the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Oakland Athletics, among others. Each team benefited from his veteran presence and ability to eat innings.
In 2014, Colon signed with the New York Mets, where he became a fan favorite. His time with the Mets was marked by memorable moments, including hitting his first career home run in 2016 at the age of 42, which was celebrated widely by fans and teammates alike. Colon's ability to pitch effectively into his 40s was a testament to his skill and adaptability on the mound.
Colon continued to play for several teams in the latter part of his career, including the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, and Texas Rangers. Throughout his career, he was known for his durability, control, and ability to reinvent himself as a pitcher. His longevity in the sport was rare, and he became one of the few pitchers to have played for both the Montreal Expos and the Washington Nationals, the franchise that succeeded the Expos.
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