Teddy Higuera, a left-handed pitcher from Mexico, became a vital part of the Milwaukee Brewers' pitching staff during his time in Major League Baseball. Born on November 9, 1958, in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, Higuera's journey to the major leagues began in his home country, where he played for the Mexican League. His talent on the mound caught the attention of the Milwaukee Brewers, who signed him in 1983.
Higuera made his MLB debut with the Brewers in 1985, quickly establishing himself as a reliable starter. In his rookie season, he posted an impressive 15-8 record with a 3.90 ERA, earning him a second-place finish in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. His performance that year set the stage for what would be a remarkable career with the Brewers.
The following year, 1986, proved to be Higuera's best season. He achieved a 20-11 record with a 2.79 ERA and 207 strikeouts, becoming the first Mexican-born pitcher to win 20 games in a season. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team and a second-place finish in the Cy Young Award voting, behind only Roger Clemens. Higuera's ability to control games with his precise pitching and strategic approach made him a standout player during this period.
Higuera continued to be a strong presence on the mound for the Brewers over the next few years. In 1987, he recorded an 18-10 record with a 3.85 ERA, and in 1988, he went 16-9 with a 2.45 ERA, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top pitchers in the league. His consistency and skill were evident as he regularly delivered quality starts and helped keep the Brewers competitive.
Unfortunately, injuries began to take a toll on Higuera's career in the late 1980s. He missed significant playing time due to shoulder issues, which affected his performance and limited his appearances on the field. Despite these setbacks, Higuera remained determined to contribute to his team and worked tirelessly to return to form.
In the early 1990s, Higuera faced ongoing challenges with injuries, which ultimately curtailed his playing time and effectiveness. He made a brief comeback in 1993, but his performance was not at the level it had been during his peak years. Higuera's final season in the majors came in 1994, when he pitched in just nine games before retiring from professional baseball.
Throughout his career, Higuera was known for his exceptional control and ability to keep hitters off balance. His pitching arsenal included a deceptive changeup and a sharp curveball, which he used effectively to dominate opposing batters. Higuera's contributions to the Brewers during his tenure were significant, and he remains a beloved figure among fans of the team.
⚾