John Candelaria, known to fans as "The Candy Man," was a left-handed pitcher who made a name for himself in Major League Baseball with his unique style and impressive performances on the mound. Born on November 6, 1953, in New York City, Candelaria grew up in Brooklyn and attended La Salle Academy, where his talent for baseball became evident. His professional career began when he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second round of the 1972 MLB Draft.

Candelaria made his MLB debut with the Pirates on June 8, 1975. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall, his imposing presence and smooth delivery quickly caught the attention of both fans and opponents. In his rookie season, he posted a 8-6 record with a 2.76 ERA, setting the stage for what would be a remarkable career.

The 1976 season was a breakout year for Candelaria. He achieved a 16-7 record and a 3.15 ERA, but it was in 1977 that he truly shone. That year, Candelaria led the National League with a 2.34 ERA and recorded a no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 9, becoming the first Pirate to throw a no-hitter in Pittsburgh since 1907. His performance earned him an All-Star selection, the only one of his career.

Candelaria continued to be a reliable starter for the Pirates, contributing significantly to their success in the late 1970s. In 1979, he played a crucial role in helping the team win the World Series. Although he was used primarily as a starter, Candelaria's versatility allowed him to pitch effectively in relief during the postseason, showcasing his adaptability and team-first mentality.

Throughout the early 1980s, Candelaria remained a steady presence in the Pirates' rotation. However, injuries began to take a toll on his performance. Despite these setbacks, he managed to maintain respectable numbers and continued to be a valuable asset to the team. In 1985, Candelaria was traded to the California Angels, marking the beginning of a journeyman phase in his career.

With the Angels, Candelaria transitioned into a role that saw him both starting and relieving, adapting to the needs of his team. He spent two seasons with the Angels before moving on to the New York Mets in 1987. His time with the Mets was short-lived, as he was traded to the New York Yankees later that year. Candelaria's stint with the Yankees was marked by a strong 1988 season, where he posted a 13-7 record with a 3.38 ERA.

The latter part of Candelaria's career saw him playing for several teams, including the Montreal Expos, Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite the frequent changes in teams, he continued to demonstrate his pitching skills and experience, often serving as a mentor to younger players.

Candelaria's career came to a close after the 1993 season, which he spent with the Pittsburgh Pirates, bringing his journey full circle. Over his 19-year career, he accumulated a 177-122 win-loss record, a 3.33 ERA, and 1,673 strikeouts. His ability to adapt to different roles and teams, combined with his consistent performance, earned him respect throughout the league.

⚾