Figueroa began his professional career with the California Angels in 1974. He quickly made a name for himself, finishing his rookie season with a 2.91 earned run average (ERA) and 14 wins. His performance earned him a spot in the Angels' starting rotation and he continued to impress in his second season, winning 16 games.
In 1976, Figueroa was traded to the New York Yankees, where he achieved some of his greatest career highlights. In his first season with the Yankees, he won 19 games and helped the team reach the World Series. The following year, he achieved a career-best 20 wins, becoming the first Puerto Rican pitcher to reach this milestone in a single season. This achievement also made him one of the key contributors to the Yankees' World Series victory in 1977.
Figueroa's success continued in 1978, when he won 20 games for the second consecutive season and helped the Yankees win another World Series. However, his performance began to decline in the following years due to injuries. Despite this, he managed to maintain a respectable ERA and continued to be a reliable starting pitcher for the Yankees.
In 1980, Figueroa was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he spent a season before moving to the Oakland Athletics in 1981. His time with these teams was marked by struggles with injuries, which ultimately led to his retirement from professional baseball in 1981.
Throughout his career, Figueroa was known for his competitive spirit and his ability to perform under pressure. He was a key player in the Yankees' World Series victories in 1977 and 1978, and his 20-win seasons in 1977 and 1978 remain a significant achievement in the history of Puerto Rican baseball.
Despite his relatively short career, Figueroa left a lasting impact on the sport. He finished his career with a record of 80 wins and 67 losses, a 3.51 ERA, and 558 strikeouts. His achievements paved the way for future generations of Puerto Rican players in the MLB, and he remains a celebrated figure in the sport.
⚾
Related Content
Stories, Photos, Videos, Podcasts, and Publications featuring Ed Figueroa BiographyF i l t e r & S o r t Filter & Sort
On April 10, 1976, the New York Yankees faced off against the Milwaukee Brewers at...
1976 New York Yankees vs Milwaukee Brewers - Classic Baseball Radio Broadcast / On April 10, 1976, the New York Yankees faced off against the Milwaukee Brewers at County Stadium, bringing a mix of challenges and expectations to each team. The Yankees, led by starting pitcher Ed Figueroa, were looking to make a strong showing early in the season, while the Brewers, with Bill Travers starting on the mound, aimed to capitalize on their home field advantage. This game was notable early in the season, testing the mettle of both teams, with the Yankees striving to establish dominance and the Brewers looking to upset a perennial powerhouse.
The game remained scoreless until the fourth inning when the Brewers broke the ice, gradually building a lead with strategic hits and taking advantage of the Yankees' fielding errors. By the middle of the sixth inning, the Brewers had extended their lead to 6-0, underscoring a strong offensive performance. However, the Yankees rallied in the seventh inning, marking a significant turning point in the game. Key hits included a home run by Thurman Munson and multiple RBI singles that sparked a comeback. The tension heightened in the ninth inning, with the Yankees adding five more runs to seal their lead, highlighted by key contributions from Lou Piniella and Chris Chambliss.
Ultimately, the Yankees overcame their early stumbles to win 9-7 in a comeback victory that underscored their resilience and depth. The Brewers, despite a strong start, were unable to hold off the late surge from the Yankees.