Esteban Loaiza pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges

Former major league pitcher turned drug kingpin Esteban Loaiza pleaded guilty to a litany of drug charges.

It has been a long fall from grace for former major leaguer Esteban Loaiza. He had been the toast of Mexico, a two time All Star who was beloved for his long career as a pitcher, and his marriage to pop star Jenni Rivera before her passing. Loaiza had reached the mountaintop, and was the type of person that youngsters could idolize.

Everything came crashing down in February, when Loaiza was arrested on drug charges, after he was caught with over 20 kilograms of cocaine in his car. On Friday, Loaiza pleaded guilty, and is facing a 30 year prison sentence.

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Loaiza had been the second winningest major league pitcher from Mexico, posting a lifetime 126-114 record, along with a 4.65 ERA and a 1.408 WHiP. He led the American League with 207 strikeouts in 2003, a year where he finished second in the Cy Young vote. Over his 2099 innings, he had 1382 strikeouts and only 604 walks, a solid middle of the rotation starter.

Yet, the nearly $43 million that he made over his career was apparently not enough. Instead, Loaiza had to channel his inner Scarface, a drug kingpin who threw away his fame and fortune. Now, when he could be enjoying retirement and fading into old age, he may well spend the remainder of his life behind bars.

As it stands, Loaiza could get anywhere from ten years to a life sentence. Given his stature as a former major leaguer, and his lack of a previous criminal record, he may well get a lighter sentence. And, with good behavior, he could get out of prison even earlier. Nonetheless, his decision and actions will be something he is forced to live with for the next few years.

Esteban Loaiza has pleaded guilty to a litany of drug charges. Oh, how far the mighty have fallen.