In 1986, Teodoro Higuera won 20 games with a 2.79 ERA for the Milwaukee Brewers, a season that earned him second place in American League Cy Young voting. It was the peak of a career that made the native of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, the most dominant Mexican pitcher of his era in the majors.
From Sinaloa to the Brewers
Teodoro Higuera was born in 1958 in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico. After standing out in the Liga Mexicana del Pacífico, he was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers in the mid-1980s. His major league debut came in 1985, but 1986 was when his potential truly exploded. That year he anchored Milwaukee’s rotation with an effective fastball and pinpoint control that made him nearly impossible to predict at the plate.
The Golden Season: 1986
The 1986 campaign was historic. Higuera posted 20 wins, a 2.79 ERA, and 207 innings pitched, numbers that put him in the national conversation. His second-place finish in Cy Young voting—behind Roger Clemens of the Boston Red Sox—recognized his command of the strike zone and his ability to keep hitters off balance. Milwaukee fans saw him as the franchise’s future.
Years of Consistency and Injury
Though he never reached 20 wins again, Higuera remained consistent in the years that followed. Between 1987 and 1989, he posted sub-3.50 ERAs in multiple seasons, establishing himself as one of the American League’s most reliable aces. However, arm injuries began to limit his availability in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His major league career extended through 1994, with stints also with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles.
A Mexican Legacy in the Majors
Teddy Higuera paved the way for Mexican pitchers in the majors at a time when Latino representation was far smaller. His success in Milwaukee made him a reference point for future generations of Mexican hurlers. Though injuries shortened his career, his peak numbers—especially that 1986 season—keep him among the most notable Mexicans in major league history. Higuera won 123 games in his career with a 3.36 ERA, but his true legacy is proving that a Mexican pitcher could compete and win at baseball’s highest level.
| Season | Team | Wins | Losses | ERA | Innings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Milwaukee Brewers | 15 | 8 | 3.94 | 190.1 |
| 1986 | Milwaukee Brewers | 20 | 9 | 2.79 | 207.0 |
| 1987 | Milwaukee Brewers | 18 | 10 | 3.47 | 228.1 |
| 1988 | Milwaukee Brewers | 16 | 9 | 2.45 | 227.2 |
FAQ
What was Teddy Higuera’s best season?
Unquestionably 1986, when he won 20 games with a 2.79 ERA and finished second in American League Cy Young voting.
Why didn’t Higuera win the Cy Young in 1986?
Because Roger Clemens of the Boston Red Sox had an exceptional season with 24 wins and a 2.48 ERA, earning the award.
How many games did Teddy Higuera win in his career?
He won 123 games in the majors between 1985 and 1994, primarily with the Milwaukee Brewers.
