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Teddy Higuera (1985-1991, 1993-1994)

Despite a relatively late start to his major league career, Teddy Higuera was a star pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Signed out of the Mexican League, Higuera made his first appearance stateside as a 26 year old in AA. He pitched well, earning a promotion to the AAA Vancouver Canadians, but was unable to find that same success. However, he pitched his way onto the Brewers roster in 1985, becoming a star. He would finish second in the Rookie of the Year vote that season, and in 1986, would make his only All Star appearance while finishing second in the Cy Young voting. In that year, Higuera became the second Mexican pitcher to win 20 games in a season, with Fernando Valenzuela besting him by three days.

Just when it seemed as though the Brewers had their ace for the next decade, injuries slowed Higuera. He appeared in only 56 games from 1989 through 1991, and eventually needed shoulder surgery. Higuera came back for two more seasons, but no longer had his stuff. His career came to an end in a disappointing manner.

Nonetheless, when healthy, few pitchers could compare to Higuera. Overall, he posted a 94-64 record with a 3.61 ERA and a 1.236 WHiP. Using his excellent screwball to great effect, he struck out 1081 batters in 1380 innings, while issuing just 443 walks. Had he been able to remain healthy, he would likely have been a key part of the Brewers success for years to come.

Teddy Higuera was one of the first pitching stars to come out of Mexico. Unfortunately, his shoulder did not let him fulfill his potential.