Esteban Loaiza is a former professional baseball player who played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was born on December 31, 1971, in Tijuana, Mexico, and began his baseball career in the Mexican League before being signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1995.
Loaiza made his MLB debut with the Pirates in 1995 and played for them until 1998. He then played for several other teams, including the Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Throughout his career, Loaiza was known for his strong pitching arm and his ability to throw a variety of pitches, including a fastball, curveball, and changeup. He was also known for his durability, as he was able to pitch many innings in a single game.
One of Loaiza's most successful seasons was in 2003 when he played for the Chicago White Sox. He had a record of 21 wins and 9 losses, with an earned run average (ERA) of 2.90. He was named an All-Star that year and finished second in the American League Cy Young Award voting.
Loaiza's career was not without controversy, however. In 2006, he was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) and was later suspended for 10 games by MLB. In 2018, he was arrested again, this time for possession of over 20 kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to three years in prison.
Despite his legal troubles, Loaiza remains a respected figure in the baseball community. He was known for his work ethic and his dedication to the game, and he was a mentor to many young players throughout his career.
Overall, Esteban Loaiza had a successful career as a professional baseball player. He played for several teams and was known for his strong pitching arm and durability. While his career was not without controversy, he remains a respected figure in the baseball community.
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