#18 Juan Pizarro

Prolific Puerto Rican pitcher.....21 years in organized ball most of them with some major leagues going back to the late 50’s.....Career of several acts....starting trajectory was of a talented protégé but failed to meet expectations early on, found a short window of prime only to be later sent to the minors.....having  relied upon by big clubs for instant starting support.........Story began in Milwaukee 90 miles north of Chicago but was mired under underwhelming performances and the Braves’ pitching depth.....Teemed with talent but couldn’t make the right pitch at the right time.....Personal godsend was a trade to White Sox to whom he gave his 3 best years collecting his career bests of 19, 16, and 14 wins at different intervals....an injury shortened his 1965 and lost his rotation spot in 66....embarked on stops to Pittsburgh, Boston, Cleveland, and Oakland in the span of three years failing to firmly establish himself....was released and signed by Angels farm club in Hawaii for 1970...went undefeated and quickly flipped mid season to the Baby Bears....change or scenery did not fit him....shelled in first Cub outing, sent down to AAA Iowa and continue to struggle.....was able to more successfully contribute to the Northsiders cause in 1971 getting another mid season call up and procuring seven wins vs. six losing decisions....netted a full season in 1972 but was unremarkable succumbing to weight issues....while he still could win in minors or Mexican league and get the call from Cubs, Houston,....could not mount a moment of longevity at the top level....but a 1974 Pittsburgh call up yielded an excellent 1.88 ERA...... Did finish his career with two fine years in the Mexican League ending 1976....the man knew how to pitch if he was focused and in shape....date of demise February 18, 2021