A Californian with an Indigenous Mexican background, Garcia served the U.S. in World War II but was only 22 when it ended, so he never missed any time where he would have been on a big league roster. Garcia made it the Majors with the Cleveland Indians in 1948 for one game, and he was a starter in 1949, winning the ERA title as a rookie (2.36). In 1951 and 1952, Garcia was a 20 Game winner and was close to that mark in 1953 and 1954. In that '54 season, he won his second ERA title and helped the Indians win the American League Pennant.
A four-time leader in FIP, Garcia's peak ended in 1954, though he played seven more seasons, five more with Cleveland, and one each with the White Sox and the Senators. Garcia had a career record of 142-97.
Despite Garcia's accomplishments, he is one of the best post-World War II players who were never on a Hall of Fame ballot.
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