1976 Profile: Ed Figueroa

"Senor Stopper. In his first full season, he was the Angels' second most reliable pitcher; he won 16 and had a 2.91 ERA.
Born in Ciales, Puerto Rico, Ed was originally signed by the Mets and released, then signed by the Giants and traded to the Giants in a minor deal. He served with the Marines in Vietnam.
Ed played for nine minor league clubs in seven seasons before being called up by the Angels. Used in relief, he made his debut as a starter in July of 1974 and lost, 1-0. Of his first 14 victories, 13 stopped Angel losing streaks.
Ed was chosen handsomest Angel by the press."

-Phil Pepe, The Complete Handbook of Baseball, 1976 Edition

"Few knew Ed Figueroa a year ago, and even fewer could pronounce his name (say it fig-er-O-a). He opened the season in the minors following a 2-8 record with the 1974 Angels. But early in the year he was recalled, and bang, he let the league have it. Eddie compiled the fifth-best earned run average in the American League and won 16 games for California. Suddenly he was one of the hottest pitching properties in baseball, and the Yankees landed him.
Certain to make his mark in the Yankee starting rotation, Ed will win over New York fans in no time, for New Yorkers can recognize athletic ability as few can, and Ed's comes shining right through.
The 27-year-old veteran of Puerto Rico beat Boston three times without a defeat in 1975, and that's a vital 'plus-three' for a Yankee pennant in 1976."

-The New York Yankees Official 1976 Yearbook

"Ed had the fifth best ERA in the league last season, trailing only Palmer, Hunter, Eckersley and Tanana. His 16-13 record for the last place Angels made him a much sought-after property.
He was originally signed by the Mets in 1966 but was soon released and signed by the Giants. Ed served in Vietnam with the Marines in 1969, and the Angels got him in June of 1973.
Ed beat the Red Sox three times in 1975. 15 of his 16 wins followed Angel defeats last year, making him a real stopper.
He has great control and his out pitch is the sinkerball. 15 or more ground balls a game are not unusual for Ed."

-1976 New York Yankees Press/TV/Radio Guide