Esteban Loaiza
Encyclopedia
Esteban Antonio Loaiza Veyna [lo-EYE-sa] (born December 31, 1971 in Tijuana
, Baja California
, México
) is a former Major League Baseball
pitcher
. He is currently signed by the Mexico City Red Devils of the Mexican Summer League.
in Imperial Beach, California
, Loaiza was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates
as an undrafted free agent on March 21, . With the Gulf Coast Pirates in the Rookie leagues he started five games in 1991, finishing with a 5–1 record and a 2.26 ERA
. He moved through the Pirates farm system with stops at Augusta
(class A - ), Salem (class A - ) and Carolina
(class AA - 1993-). He also played for the Mexico City Red Devils
of the Mexican Summer League
during the 1993 season.
He is currently playing with the Mexicali Aguilas of the Liga Mexicana Del Pacifico.
. He worked 4 2/3 innings in the game, giving up five hits
and one unearned run to get the first major league win
of his career. He finished his rookie season with a 8–9 record and a 5.16 ERA in 31 starts.
He began the season back in the minors with the Triple-A Calgary Cannons
, but was recalled to the majors on June 7.
The Pirates traded him to the Texas Rangers
on July 17, , for Todd Van Poppel
and Warren Morris
. He spent the next two seasons with Texas, pitching both as a starter and a reliever for the Rangers.
Traded again, to the Toronto Blue Jays
by the Rangers on July 19, for Michael Young and Darwin Cubillan
, he pitched with the Blue Jays through .
pitchers in strikeouts (207), and was second in wins (21) and strikeouts per nine innings (8.23); third in ERA (2.90), and sixth in innings pitched
(226.3). Considered for the Cy Young Award
, Loaiza finished second behind Roy Halladay
, ahead of Pedro Martínez
and Tim Hudson
. He was an All-Star
selection both in 2003 and . Loaiza's 21 wins in 2003 are tied for the most ever in a season for a Mexican pitcher; Fernando Valenzuela
won 21 games in .
In 2004, Loaiza was traded to the New York Yankees
mid-season for José Contreras
. He did not perform well in New York and was banished to the bullpen during the regular season. During the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox
, he pitched well in two relief outings despite recording the loss in Game 5. That off-season he signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals
as a free agent. He went 12–10 with a 3.77 ERA for the Nationals in .
Prior to the season, Loaiza signed a three-year, $21.4 million dollar contract with the Oakland Athletics
. He had a disastrous start to his Oakland career, which led many fans to question his acquisition. Loaiza went 0–3 in April with an 8.35 ERA and opponents batted .385 against him. His early season troubles reached a nadir on April 29 when he gave up 10 runs in two innings to the Kansas City Royals
, who had the worst record in baseball at the time; the game was not official since it was later rained out, or his statistics would have been even worse. Loaiza's poor performance was at least partly due to injury, as he seemed to have very little velocity on his fastball
early in the season (throwing it at as little as 82-83 mph) and was placed on the disabled list
with back and shoulder problems on May 2. When he returned on June 8, he was inconsistent, but appeared to be much healthier, due to his ability to demonstrate a much harder 95 mph fastball. On June 25, 2006, Loaiza pitched his first complete game
in over two years in a 10-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants
. Loaiza finished the 2006 regular season with a 4.89 ERA and a record of 11 wins and 9 losses. His injuries may have played a role in his sub-par ERA for that season.
During the regular season, Loaiza spent a large amount of time on the disabled list due to spasms in his right trapezius. The A's activated him and moved him back to the 25-man roster on August 22, 2007.
On August 29, 2007, the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed Loaiza off waivers from the Athletics. Instead of trading for Loaiza, the Dodgers purchased the remainder of his contract.
He made an impressive debut for the Dodgers, working seven innings and getting the win in a 11-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs
, but struggled during the rest of the season, losing his last four decisions.
Going into the season, he had fully recovered from his injuries and regained his spot as the fifth starter in the Dodgers rotation. Loaiza struggled at the beginning of the season, and as a result lost his starting position to lefty Hong-Chih Kuo
. After a stint on the DL, Loaiza was designated for assignment on May 24 and subsequently released.
October 7, 2010 was officially designated "Esteban Loaiza Appreciation Day" by esteemed college sportswriter David Michaels. It is not known whether this is a one-time celebration or will become an annual holiday.
doing 120 MPH on a California
freeway near San Lorenzo
. He subsequently failed a sobriety test. He appeared in court on July 14, 2006. After the incident, GM Billy Beane
banned alcohol in both the home and visitor clubhouse, citing liability issues.
Tijuana
Tijuana is the largest city on the Baja California Peninsula and center of the Tijuana metropolitan area, part of the international San Diego–Tijuana metropolitan area. An industrial and financial center of Mexico, Tijuana exerts a strong influence on economics, education, culture, art, and politics...
, Baja California
Baja California
Baja California officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Baja California is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is both the northernmost and westernmost state of Mexico. Before becoming a state in 1953, the area was known as the North...
, México
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
) is a former Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
. He is currently signed by the Mexico City Red Devils of the Mexican Summer League.
Early career
A graduate of Mar Vista High SchoolMar Vista High School
Mar Vista Senior High , in Imperial Beach, California, United States, is a high school established in 1951. Part of the Sweetwater Union High School District, the school serves students living in Imperial Beach, and San Diego, California...
in Imperial Beach, California
Imperial Beach, California
Imperial Beach is a residential beach city in San Diego County, California, with a population of 26,324 at the 2010 census. The city is the most southern beach city in Southern California and the West Coast of the United States...
, Loaiza was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
as an undrafted free agent on March 21, . With the Gulf Coast Pirates in the Rookie leagues he started five games in 1991, finishing with a 5–1 record and a 2.26 ERA
Earned run average
In baseball statistics, earned run average is the mean of earned runs given up by a pitcher per nine innings pitched. It is determined by dividing the number of earned runs allowed by the number of innings pitched and multiplying by nine...
. He moved through the Pirates farm system with stops at Augusta
Augusta GreenJackets
The Augusta GreenJackets are a minor league baseball team that plays in Augusta, Georgia, as a Class A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Lake Olmstead Stadium has been the home of the GreenJackets since the 1995 season, although Augusta has fielded a team in the South Atlantic League since 1988...
(class A - ), Salem (class A - ) and Carolina
Carolina Mudcats
The Carolina Mudcats are a minor league baseball team based in the eastern suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina. The team, which plays in the Carolina League, are the Single-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians major-league club beginning in 2012.-History:...
(class AA - 1993-). He also played for the Mexico City Red Devils
Diablos Rojos del México
Diablos Rojos del México is a professional baseball team in the Mexican League.This team is located in Mexico City. The team name, Diablos Rojos del México, means Mexico City Red Devils. It is often believed that they are named after the Cincinnati Reds. That is, however, not the case...
of the Mexican Summer League
Liga Mexicana de Beisbol
The Mexican League is a summer minor league baseball league with teams based across Mexico. Along with the International League and the Pacific Coast League, it is one of three leagues playing at the triple-A level, which is one step below Major League Baseball. It is the only Minor League...
during the 1993 season.
He is currently playing with the Mexicali Aguilas of the Liga Mexicana Del Pacifico.
Major Leagues
Loaiza made the jump to the big league club in , making his major league debut on April 29, 1995, for the Pirates against the Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
. He worked 4 2/3 innings in the game, giving up five hits
Hit (baseball)
In baseball statistics, a hit , also called a base hit, is credited to a batter when the batter safely reaches first base after hitting the ball into fair territory, without the benefit of an error or a fielder's choice....
and one unearned run to get the first major league win
Win (baseball)
In professional baseball, there are two types of decisions: a win and a loss . In each game, one pitcher on the winning team is awarded a win and one pitcher on the losing team is given a loss in their respective statistics. These pitchers are collectively known as the pitchers of record. Only...
of his career. He finished his rookie season with a 8–9 record and a 5.16 ERA in 31 starts.
He began the season back in the minors with the Triple-A Calgary Cannons
Calgary Cannons
The Calgary Cannons were a minor league baseball team located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada for 18 seasons, from 1985 until 2002. They were a member of the AAA Pacific Coast League and played at Foothills Stadium. The Cannons replaced the Calgary Expos who played in the rookie level Pioneer League...
, but was recalled to the majors on June 7.
The Pirates traded him to the Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
on July 17, , for Todd Van Poppel
Todd Van Poppel
Todd Matthew Van Poppel is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Oakland Athletics , Detroit Tigers , Texas Rangers , Pittsburgh Pirates , Chicago Cubs , and Cincinnati Reds...
and Warren Morris
Warren Morris
Warren Morris is a former college and Major League Baseball player. He is most remembered for his 9th inning walk-off home run that won the 1996 College World Series for the Louisiana State University Tigers.-College career:Morris joined the LSU baseball team in , just out of high school in...
. He spent the next two seasons with Texas, pitching both as a starter and a reliever for the Rangers.
Traded again, to the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
by the Rangers on July 19, for Michael Young and Darwin Cubillan
Darwin Cubillán
Darwin Harrikson Cubillán Salom , is a former Major League Baseball right-handed relief pitcher....
, he pitched with the Blue Jays through .
Chicago White Sox (2003–2004)
After signing with the Chicago White Sox as a free agent, Loaiza enjoyed a career season in , leading American LeagueAmerican League
The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, or simply the American League , is one of two leagues that make up Major League Baseball in the United States and Canada. It developed from the Western League, a minor league based in the Great Lakes states, which eventually aspired to major...
pitchers in strikeouts (207), and was second in wins (21) and strikeouts per nine innings (8.23); third in ERA (2.90), and sixth in innings pitched
Innings pitched
In baseball, innings pitched are the number of innings a pitcher has completed, measured by the number of batters and baserunners that are put out while the pitcher on the pitching mound in a game. Three outs made is equal to one inning pitched. One out counts as one-third of an inning, and two...
(226.3). Considered for the Cy Young Award
Cy Young Award
The Cy Young Award is an honor given annually in baseball to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball , one each for the American League and National League . The award was first introduced in 1956 by Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick in honor of Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who died in 1955...
, Loaiza finished second behind Roy Halladay
Roy Halladay
Harry Leroy "Roy" Halladay III , nicknamed "Doc", is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies...
, ahead of Pedro Martínez
Pedro Martínez
Pedro Jaime Martínez is a retired Major League Baseball pitcher. He is an eight-time All-Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner, and 2004 World Series champion...
and Tim Hudson
Tim Hudson
Timothy Adam Hudson is a starting pitcher in Major League Baseball who plays for the Atlanta Braves. Hudson began his major league career with the Oakland Athletics and played his last two years of college eligibility at Auburn University...
. He was an All-Star
Major League Baseball All-Star Game
The Major League Baseball All-Star Game, also known as the "Midsummer Classic", is an annual baseball game between players from the National League and the American League, currently selected by a combination of fans, players, coaches, and managers...
selection both in 2003 and . Loaiza's 21 wins in 2003 are tied for the most ever in a season for a Mexican pitcher; Fernando Valenzuela
Fernando Valenzuela
Fernando Valenzuela Anguamea is a Mexican former left-handed pitcher, most notably with the Los Angeles Dodgers.In 1981, the 20-year-old Valenzuela took Los Angeles by storm, winning his first 8 decisions and leading the Dodgers to the World Championship...
won 21 games in .
Journeyman
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
mid-season for José Contreras
José Contreras
José Ariel Contreras Camejo is a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who is currently with the Philadelphia Phillies...
. He did not perform well in New York and was banished to the bullpen during the regular season. During the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
, he pitched well in two relief outings despite recording the loss in Game 5. That off-season he signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...
as a free agent. He went 12–10 with a 3.77 ERA for the Nationals in .
Prior to the season, Loaiza signed a three-year, $21.4 million dollar contract with the Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....
. He had a disastrous start to his Oakland career, which led many fans to question his acquisition. Loaiza went 0–3 in April with an 8.35 ERA and opponents batted .385 against him. His early season troubles reached a nadir on April 29 when he gave up 10 runs in two innings to the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
, who had the worst record in baseball at the time; the game was not official since it was later rained out, or his statistics would have been even worse. Loaiza's poor performance was at least partly due to injury, as he seemed to have very little velocity on his fastball
Fastball
The fastball is the most common type of pitch in baseball. Some "power pitchers," such as Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens, have thrown it at speeds of 95–106 mph and up to 108.1 mph , relying purely on speed to prevent the ball from being hit...
early in the season (throwing it at as little as 82-83 mph) and was placed on the disabled list
Disabled list
In Major League Baseball, the disabled list is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players.-General guidelines:...
with back and shoulder problems on May 2. When he returned on June 8, he was inconsistent, but appeared to be much healthier, due to his ability to demonstrate a much harder 95 mph fastball. On June 25, 2006, Loaiza pitched his first complete game
Complete game
In baseball, a complete game is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher.As demonstrated by the charts below, in the early 20th century, it was common for most good Major League Baseball pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. Pitchers were...
in over two years in a 10-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based in San Francisco, California, playing in the National League West Division....
. Loaiza finished the 2006 regular season with a 4.89 ERA and a record of 11 wins and 9 losses. His injuries may have played a role in his sub-par ERA for that season.
During the regular season, Loaiza spent a large amount of time on the disabled list due to spasms in his right trapezius. The A's activated him and moved him back to the 25-man roster on August 22, 2007.
Los Angeles Dodgers
He made an impressive debut for the Dodgers, working seven innings and getting the win in a 11-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...
, but struggled during the rest of the season, losing his last four decisions.
Going into the season, he had fully recovered from his injuries and regained his spot as the fifth starter in the Dodgers rotation. Loaiza struggled at the beginning of the season, and as a result lost his starting position to lefty Hong-Chih Kuo
Hong-Chih Kuo
Hong-Chih Kuo is a Major League Baseball pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers. When Kuo made his debut in , he became the fourth MLB player from Taiwan ....
. After a stint on the DL, Loaiza was designated for assignment on May 24 and subsequently released.
Chicago White Sox (2008)
On June 4, 2008, Loaiza was signed by the Chicago White Sox. After 3 relief appearances and 6 weeks on the disabled list, he was released.October 7, 2010 was officially designated "Esteban Loaiza Appreciation Day" by esteemed college sportswriter David Michaels. It is not known whether this is a one-time celebration or will become an annual holiday.
DUI arrest
On June 14, 2006, Loaiza was arrested after being pulled over by police who clocked his FerrariFerrari
Ferrari S.p.A. is an Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello, Italy. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 1929, as Scuderia Ferrari, the company sponsored drivers and manufactured race cars before moving into production of street-legal vehicles as Ferrari S.p.A. in 1947...
doing 120 MPH on a California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
freeway near San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo, California
San Lorenzo , also known as San Lorenzo Village is a census-designated place in Alameda County, California, United States. The population was 23,452 at the 2010 census.-Geography:...
. He subsequently failed a sobriety test. He appeared in court on July 14, 2006. After the incident, GM Billy Beane
Billy Beane
William Lamar "Billy" Beane III is a former Major League Baseball player and the current general manager and minority owner of the Oakland Athletics...
banned alcohol in both the home and visitor clubhouse, citing liability issues.
See also
- List of Major League Baseball leaders in career wins
- List of Major League Baseball strikeout champions