History for Big Sexy



Congratulations to Bartolo Colon, now the winningest pitcher of all time from Latin America. At age 45 in his 21st big league season, he's now a Texas Ranger -- and still able to outwit opposing batters.

There's some endearing about Colon. Far from today's well-chiseled, nutritionally savvy athlete, he looks more like the guy who sat next to you last week in the cheap seats. Yet this unlikely looking player has built himself an impressive brand. Think of the love Mets fans gave him in his three Flushing seasons -- when that "Big Sexy" nickname flourished -- especially when he became the oldest big leaguer ever to notch his first home run.

Now working for his 11th team, the well traveled righty returned this year to challenge Juan Marichal's record 244 for Dominican natives and Dennis Martinez's 245 for pitchers from anywhere in Latin America.

And slowly but surely, he's notched the W's. Tuesday night, while not quite vintage, Colon was effective enough. He allowed the Mariners four runs over six innings -- while his teammates rocked Seattle's Felix Martinez for 11 runs (7 earned). Last time I looked in this age of analytics, the key to winning remains outscoring your opponent -- or for pitchers, giving up fewer runs than the guys on the other side.

Colon did that Tuesday -- for the 246th time in his fascinating career.

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