Ex-MLB all-star busted as alleged drug kingpin
When it comes to narcotics, 20 kilograms — which equates to roughly 44 pounds — is not a small amount.
But that’s how much cocaine and heroin that ex-MLB pitcher Esteban Loaiza was busted with Friday in San Diego.
It was enough drugs for some reporters to label him a “drug kingpin.”
Loaiza, 46, was arrested and faces felony drug charges after getting busted by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
He was officially booked on possession of heroin and cocaine of more than 20 kilograms, possession of narcotics for sale, and possession and transportation of narcotics for sale.
Loaiza is being held on $200,000 bail.
The former pitcher’s fall was quick and sudden.
Just two weeks ago, Loaiza was attending SoxFest in Chicago.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeeCNgfAI7d/
Loaiza’s career spanned 14 seasons with a number of teams.
He pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers and, most notably, the Chicago White Sox.
He amassed a 126-114 record during his career. He holds the distinction of having the second most wins among MLB pitchers from Mexico.
Loaiza last pitched in 2008.
The best season of Loaiza’s career came in 2003 with the White Sox. He was second in voting for the AL Cy Young award, getting beat out by Toronto’s Roy Halladay.
Loaiza went 21-9, with a 2.90 ERA, in 2003. He also led the American League with 207 strikeouts that season.
This isn’t the first time Loaiza has had issues with law enforcement. As a member of the A’s in 2006, he was arrested for driving 120 m.p.h. and then failing his sobriety test.
He earned approximately $43.7 million in his MLB playing career.
Loaiza is due in court on Wednesday.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
