Mike Garcia

Note: This page is for 1950s All-Star pitcher Mike Garcia. For other players with the same name, click here.

Edward Miguel Garcia
(The Big Bear)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 1", Weight 200 lb.
• High School Visalia High School
• Debut October 3, 1948
• Final Game September 2, 1961
• Born November 17, 1923 in San Gabriel, CA USA
• Died January 13, 1986 in Fairview Park, OH USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Mike "The Bear" Garcia had a 14-year career, including 12 seasons with the Cleveland Indians. He, Bob Feller and Bob Lemon were known as the "Big Three" and were arguably baseball's best pitching trio of the early to mid 1950s. A two-time twenty-game winner, Garcia was 19-8 in 1954 for the pennant-winning Indians, with a league-leading ERA (his second time). Twice he also led the American League in shutouts. A very dependable pitcher, his winning percentage of .594 shows his value, along with the fact that he won more than 10 games for the Indians during nine consecutive years from 1949 to 1957.

Garcia began his pro career in 1942. He missed the 1943-1945 seasons due to military service. He returned to go 22-9 in the California League in 1946.

Notable Achievements

• 3-time AL All-Star (1952-1954)
• 2-time AL ERA Leader (1949 & 1954)
• 2-time AL Shutouts Leader (1952 & 1954)
• 15 Wins Seasons: 4 (1951-1954)
• 20 Wins Seasons: 2 (1951 & 1952)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 6 (1951-1955 & 1957)

Related Sites

• Mike Garcia at the SABR Bio Project