{{Short description|Dominican baseball player (born 1973)}} {{for|the 15th century explorer|Bartholomew Columbus}} {{Use American English|date=April 2026}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}} {{Infobox baseball biography |name = Bartolo Colón |image = Bartolo Colón pitching on Old-Timers' Day, Aug 27 2022 3 (cropped).jpg |image_size = 250 |caption = Colón pitching in the 2022 New York Mets Old-Timers' Game |position = Pitcher |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1973|5|24}} |birth_place = Altamira, Dominican Republic |bats = Right |throws = Right |debutleague = MLB |debutdate = April 4 |debutyear = 1997 |debutteam = Cleveland Indians |finalleague = MLB |finaldate = September 22 |finalyear = 2018 |finalteam = Texas Rangers |statleague = MLB |stat1label = Win–loss record |stat1value = 247–188 |stat2label = Earned run average |stat2value = 4.12 |stat3label = Strikeouts |stat3value = 2,535 |teams = * Cleveland Indians ({{mlby|1997}}–{{mlby|2002}}) * Montreal Expos ({{mlby|2002}}) * Chicago White Sox ({{mlby|2003}}) * Anaheim Angels / Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim ({{mlby|2004}}–{{mlby|2007}}) * Boston Red Sox ({{mlby|2008}}) *Chicago White Sox ({{mlby|2009}}) * New York Yankees ({{mlby|2011}}) * Oakland Athletics ({{mlby|2012}}–{{mlby|2013}}) * New York Mets ({{mlby|2014}}–{{mlby|2016}}) * Atlanta Braves ({{mlby|2017}}) * Minnesota Twins ({{mlby|2017}}) * Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2018}}) |awards = * 4× All-Star (1998, 2005, 2013, 2016) * AL Cy Young Award (2005) * AL wins leader (2005) }} '''Bartolo Colón''' (born May 24, 1973), nicknamed "'''Big Sexy'''", is a Dominican–American former professional baseball pitcher. He previously played for 11 different Major League Baseball (MLB) teams: the Cleveland Indians (1997–2002), Montreal Expos (2002), Chicago White Sox (2003, 2009), Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2004–2007), Boston Red Sox (2008), New York Yankees (2011), Oakland Athletics (2012–2013), New York Mets (2014–2016), Atlanta Braves (2017), Minnesota Twins (2017), and Texas Rangers (2018). Colón also played for the Águilas Cibaeñas of the Dominican Professional Baseball League (Dominican Winter League) and the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.
Colón was selected to four MLB All-Star Games, one each for the Indians (1998), Angels (2005), Athletics (2013), and Mets (2016). He won the American League Cy Young Award with the Angels in 2005, when he led the league in wins. With the Mets in 2016, he became the oldest player to hit his first career home run, at 42 years and 349 days old.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 8, 2016 |title=Bartolo Colon: New York Mets pitcher, 42, hits first home run |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/baseball/36240814 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508100251/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/baseball/36240814 |archive-date=May 8, 2016 |access-date=May 8, 2016 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> At age 45 during the 2018 season, Colón was the oldest active major league player and the last to have played for the Montreal Expos.<ref>{{cite web|last=Berg|first=Ted|date=March 4, 2016|title=Infielder's retirement leaves Bartolo Colon as the last former Expo in MLB|url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/03/bartolo-colon-montreal-expos-maicer-izturis-last-expo-in-mlb|url-status=live|access-date=March 4, 2016|work=USA Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307065530/http://ftw.usatoday.com:80/2016/03/bartolo-colon-montreal-expos-maicer-izturis-last-expo-in-mlb |archive-date=March 7, 2016 }}</ref> He holds the record for most career wins by a Latin American-born pitcher.<ref name="Record">{{Cite web|date=August 8, 2018|title=Colon sets sights on Marichal's innings record|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24323468|url-status=live|access-date=August 8, 2018|website=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814071818/http://www.espn.com:80/mlb/story/_/id/24323468 |archive-date=August 14, 2018 }}</ref>
In his last major-league season (2018), Colón and Rangers teammate Adrián Beltré were the last active players to have played in the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Simon|first=Andrew|date=May 22, 2018|title=21 fascinating facts to celebrate Bartolo's b-day|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/21-facts-on-bartolo-colon-birthday-c277784378|url-status=live|access-date=April 18, 2021|website=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328165005/https://www.mlb.com/news/21-facts-on-bartolo-colon-birthday-c277784378 |archive-date=March 28, 2019 }}</ref> In August 2022, Colón announced that he intended to retire after the 2022–23 Dominican winter season.
==Early life== Colón grew up in the town of Altamira in the Dominican Republic. He worked long days alongside his father, Miguel, harvesting coffee beans and fruit from the age of 9 to 14.<ref>{{cite news|last1=DiGiovanna|first1=Mike|date=February 24, 2004|title=Tropical Heat|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-feb-24-sp-angels24-story.html|access-date=May 25, 2017}}</ref> Colón credited his childhood job with the development of his strength.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Barry|first1=Dan|date=July 9, 2015|title=Defying Time and Space|work=New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/12/sports/baseball/mets-bartolo-colon-defying-time-and-space.html?_r=2|access-date=May 25, 2017}}</ref> He frequently does major charity work for his old community.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Shaikin|first1=Bill|date=September 21, 2005|title=Colon Is 20-Something|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-sep-21-sp-angels21-story.html|access-date=May 25, 2017}}</ref> Colón's mother, Adriana, died in 2014 of breast cancer.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rubin|first1=Adam|date=August 18, 2014|title=Bartolo Colon's mother dies|work=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/11370142/mother-new-york-mets-pitcher-bartolo-colon-dies|access-date=May 25, 2017}}</ref>
==Professional pitching career==
===Cleveland Indians=== Colón was signed by the Cleveland Indians as an amateur free agent in 1993 and began his career in their minor league system.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bartolo Colon Stats|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/colonba01.shtml|url-status=live|access-date=April 21, 2019|website=Baseball-Reference|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090410034403/http://www.baseball-reference.com:80/players/c/colonba01.shtml |archive-date=April 10, 2009 }}</ref> In 1995, pitching for Kinston of the Single-A Carolina League, he finished second in wins with 13 and ERA with 1.96, and led the circuit with 152 strikeouts. He was named the league's Pitcher of the Year, despite shutting down on August 1 with a bruised elbow. He was named the Indians' 1995 Minor League Player of the Year (receiving the "Lou Boudreau Award").<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/awards/Minor_League_Player_of_the_Year_by_Team.shtml |title=Minor League Player of the Year by Team |publisher=The Baseball Cube |access-date=July 25, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016231321/http://www.thebaseballcube.com/awards/Minor_League_Player_of_the_Year_by_Team.shtml |archive-date=October 16, 2011 }}</ref> He played Triple-A ball with the Buffalo Bisons in 1997 and on June 21 became the only player in team history to throw a no-hitter at Sahlen Field, then called North AmeriCare Park.
Colón made his major league debut against the Anaheim Angels on April 4, 1997, receiving a no decision.<ref>{{cite news|title=1997 news for Colon at mlb.com|work=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302034705/http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=112526&y=1997|access-date=March 20, 2007|url=http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/team/player_career.jsp?player_id=112526&y=1997|archive-date=March 2, 2008}}</ref> In his first MLB season, Colón went 4–7 with a 5.65 earned run average. He was left off the postseason roster as the Indians made it to the World Series, losing in seven games to the Florida Marlins. The following year, he set the modern-day but unofficial major league record for throwing the most pitches (20) in a single at bat on June 26, 1998<ref>{{Cite web|last=Israel|first=David K.|date=July 26, 2010|title=6 Epic At-Bats|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729064306/http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/61771|url=http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/61771|archive-date=July 29, 2010|access-date=April 18, 2021|website=Mental Floss}}</ref> against Ricky Gutiérrez, who eventually struck out. That record was broken in 2018. Later that season, Colón won his only start of the 1998 American League Championship Series, pitching a four-hit, one-run complete game. In his 1999 season, Colón finished 18–5, pitching over 200 innings with 161 strikeouts and a 3.95 earned run average.
On September 18, 2000, Colón pitched a one-hitter against the New York Yankees.<ref>{{cite book |title=2001 Official Major League Baseball Fact Book |publisher=The Sporting News |year=2001 |location=St. Louis, Missouri |page=103 |id=0-89204-646-5}}</ref> In both 2000 and 2001, Colón posted over 200 strikeouts, making him the first Indians pitcher since Gaylord Perry to record at least 200 strikeouts in back-to-back seasons.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bartolo Colon Stats, Fantasy & News|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/bartolo-colon-112526|url-status=live|access-date=April 21, 2019|website=MLB.com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421115003/https://www.mlb.com/player/bartolo-colon-112526 |archive-date=April 21, 2019 }}</ref>
===Montreal Expos=== On June 27, 2002, the Indians traded Colón and Tim Drew to the Montreal Expos in exchange for Lee Stevens, Brandon Phillips, Grady Sizemore, and Cliff Lee.<ref>{{cite web |first=Matt |last=Monagan |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/lets-remember-the-colon-for-lee-phillips-and-sizemore-deal/c-132902664 |title=Revisiting that time Bartolo Colon was traded for Cliff Lee, Grady Sizemore and Brandon Phillips |website=Mlb.com |date=June 26, 2015}}</ref> Colón finished 2002 with a combined 20–8 record and a 2.93 earned run average, including 76 earned runs with 70 walks in {{frac|233|1|3}} innings, three shutouts, and eight complete games. Ultimately, he was the last active player who had played for the Montreal Expos.
===Chicago White Sox=== Before the 2003 season, Colón was traded to the Chicago White Sox with minor leaguer Jorge Nunez for Orlando Hernández, Rocky Biddle, Jeff Liefer and cash.<ref>{{cite web|last=Beacon|first=Bill|date=January 16, 2003|title=Expos trade star pitcher Colon|url=http://www.herald.ns.ca/stories/2003/01/16/fSports167.raw.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030420144906/http://www.herald.ns.ca/stories/2003/01/16/fSports167.raw.html|archive-date=April 20, 2003|access-date=July 29, 2003|work=The Chronicle Herald}}</ref>
===Anaheim Angels=== A free agent after the previous season, he signed with the Anaheim Angels in 2004. Colón won 18 games with Anaheim in 2004. During the 2005 season, he went 21–8 with a 3.48 earned run average, and became the first Angels pitcher to win the Cy Young Award since Dean Chance in 1964.<ref>{{cite news|date=November 9, 2005|title=Colon wins American League Cy Young Award|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2217678|url-status=live|access-date=January 6, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061209181251/http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2217678|archive-date=December 9, 2006}}</ref> Due to a partially torn rotator cuff that he received in a playoff game against the Yankees in 2005, Colón spent much of the 2006 season on the injured list with soreness or inflammation in his right shoulder. In 10 starts, Colón went 1–5 with a 5.11 earned run average.
On April 21, 2007, his first start of the 2007 season following his return from the injured list, Colón pitched 7 innings, allowing one run on seven hits for his first win in 2007.
===Boston Red Sox=== [[File:AAAA7346 Bartolo Colón (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|200px|Colón with the Boston Red Sox in 2008]] On February 25, 2008, Colón signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox and was invited to spring training.<ref>{{cite web|last=Browne|first=Ian|date=February 25, 2008|title=Sox insure rotation with talented Colon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227173648/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080224&content_id=2388050&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080224&content_id=2388050&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos|archive-date=February 27, 2008|access-date=August 27, 2008|work=Boston Red Sox}}</ref> On May 15, 2008, he threw a one-hitter for the Red Sox' Triple-A team, the Pawtucket Red Sox. Six days later, Colón's contract was purchased by the Red Sox, and he was added to the active roster. Colón pitched his first game for the Red Sox on May 21, 2008, against the Kansas City Royals. He earned his 150th career win on June 11, 2008, against the Baltimore Orioles.<ref>{{cite news|date=June 12, 2008|title=Rejuvenated Colon earns his 150th win|work=Los Angeles Times|agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jun-12-sp-algame12-story.html|access-date=March 23, 2011}}</ref>
On September 19, 2008, Colón was placed on the suspended list by the Red Sox after leaving for the Dominican Republic to handle "personal matters" and deciding to stay, effectively ending his Red Sox career.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Browne|first=Ian|date=September 19, 2008|title=Colon placed on suspended list|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606011130/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080918&content_id=3504038&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080918&content_id=3504038&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb|archive-date=June 6, 2009|access-date=April 18, 2021|website=MLB.com}}</ref> He was placed on the restricted list on September 25, 2008. Colón spent the postseason on the restricted list as the Red Sox won the 2008 ALDS against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 4 games, but lost the 2008 ALCS against the Tampa Bay Rays in 7 games. He filed for free agency after the end of the 2008 season.
===Second stint with the White Sox=== [[File:Bartolo Colón 2009.jpg|thumb|right|Colón with the Chicago White Sox in 2009]] Colón agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract to return to the Chicago White Sox in January 2009, shortly after they traded Javier Vázquez to the Atlanta Braves. He competed for the fourth and fifth starters' positions in the White Sox rotation.<ref>{{cite web|date=January 15, 2009|title=White Sox Agree to Terms on One-Year Contract with Pitcher Bartolo Colon|url=http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090115&content_id=3745095&vkey=pr_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418040323/http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20090115&content_id=3745095&vkey=pr_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws|archive-date=April 18, 2009|access-date=March 5, 2016|work=Chicago White Sox}}</ref>
Colón made his comeback from off-season surgery to remove bone chips from his pitching arm elbow during the White Sox Spring training, in the Cactus League in Arizona. Manager Ozzie Guillén named him the White Sox' fifth starter before the start of the regular season. Colón won his first start in his second stint in Chicago, pitching six strong innings of three-hit ball as the Sox blanked Minnesota 8–0 on April 11, 2009. In doing so he became the first White Sox starting pitcher to win a regular season game in 2009. Colón then suffered another injury and did not pitch again for the remainder of the season. He was released on September 16.
===New York Yankees=== [[File:Bartolo Colón 2011.jpg|180px|thumb|left|Colón with the New York Yankees in 2011]]
Colón did not pitch in 2010 due to ongoing right shoulder and elbow pain and damage to the rotator cuff, ligaments and tendons.<ref name="diario">{{Cite web|date=May 11, 2011|title=Stem cells give life to the arm of Bartolo Colon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110802225412/http://www.diariolibre.com/noticias_det.php?id=290078|url=http://www.diariolibre.com/noticias_det.php?id=290078|archive-date=August 2, 2011|access-date=April 18, 2021|website=DiarioLibre}}</ref> In March 2010, he received a transplant of stem cells<ref>{{cite news|last=Barbarisi|first=Daniel|date=May 14, 2011|title=Meet the Doctor Who 'Fixed' Bartolo|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703730804576321713447010904|access-date=May 14, 2011}}</ref> to repair the damaged tissues in his right shoulder.<ref name=diario/> The orthopedic surgeon who performed the surgery said he had used human growth hormone in previous surgeries of the same type but not with Colón. The surgery was scrutinized by Major League Baseball but no wrongdoing was found.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kovaleski|first=Serge F.|date=May 11, 2011|title=Disputed Treatment Used in Bartolo Colon's Comeback|newspaper=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/12/sports/baseball/disputed-treatment-was-used-in-bartolo-colons-comeback.html?_r=1&ref=sports&pagewanted=all|access-date=May 11, 2011}}</ref><ref name="Jaffe">{{Cite magazine|last=Jaffe|first=Jay|date=August 22, 2012|title=Suspensions of Colon and Cabrera show systems does not work|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=http://mlb.si.com/2012/08/22/suspensions-of-colon-and-cabrera-show-system-does-work/?sct=hp_t11_a0&eref=sihp|access-date=August 23, 2012}}</ref>
Colón then played in the Pre-World Championship in Puerto Rico, winter ball with the Aguilas and the Leones del Escogido, and the Puerto Rican winter league,<ref name=diario/> and announced that he would attempt a comeback to the major leagues for the 2011 season.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Adames|first1=Yoel|date=October 21, 2010|title=Colón interesa a varios equipos de MLB|url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/news/nota?id=1157518&s=bei&type=story|url-status=live|access-date=May 8, 2016|website=ESPN Deportes|publisher=|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405024901/http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/news/nota?id=1157518&s=bei&type=story |archive-date=April 5, 2016 }}</ref> He signed a minor-league deal with the New York Yankees on January 26, 2011. Colón was invited to spring training, competing for a spot on the 25-man roster, despite coming into camp 30 pounds overweight.<ref>{{Cite web|date=January 26, 2011|title=Yankees sign righty Colon to minor league deal|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=6060943|url-status=live|access-date=April 18, 2021|website=ESPN|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925225755/http://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=6060943 |archive-date=September 25, 2017 }}</ref> He was named to the Yankees' Opening Day roster in the bullpen. Colón made his first start for the Yankees on April 20, taking the rotation spot of the injured Phil Hughes.<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 26, 2011|title=Yankees pick Garcia to start; Colon to bullpen|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=6260701|url-status=live|access-date=April 18, 2021|website=ESPN|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925225656/http://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=6260701 |archive-date=September 25, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=April 20, 2011|title=Bartolo Colon earns 1st win in 2 years as Yankees beat Blue Jays|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/310420114|url-status=dead|access-date=April 18, 2021|website=ESPN|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419044942/https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/310420114 |archive-date=April 19, 2021 }}</ref> Through May, Colon was 3–3 with a 3.26 earned run average. On May 30, 2011, he threw a four-hit shutout, his first since 2006 against the Athletics. He sustained a hamstring injury on June 11, 2011, against the Cleveland Indians. When he was injured, he was in the seventh inning of a shutout game, but he limped off the field after covering first base on a ground ball to Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira. Colón then ended up on the 15-day injured list. He said that he would be back pitching right when eligible.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Begley|first=Ian|date=June 11, 2011|title=Yanks' Colon leaves start with hamstring strain|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=6651793|url-status=live|access-date=April 18, 2021|website=ESPN|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925225726/http://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=6651793 |archive-date=September 25, 2017 }}</ref> On July 2, Colón returned to the Yankees and threw six shutout innings against the New York Mets. On July 14 against the Blue Jays, Colón exited after recording only two outs in the first inning while yielding eight runs, the shortest outing of his career. Colón's 2011 season was somewhat of a resurgence, going 8–10 with a 4.00 earned run average and a 1.29 walks plus hits divided by innings pitched ratio. He was demoted to the bullpen when the Yankees made the postseason and the team lost to the Detroit Tigers in the 2011 ALDS. He became a free agent following the end of the season.
===Oakland Athletics=== [[File:Bartolo Colón on April 29, 2012.jpg|260px|thumb|Colón pitching for the Oakland Athletics in 2012]] On January 14, 2012, Colón agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with the Oakland Athletics.<ref>{{cite news|last=Stark|first=Jayson|date=January 15, 2012|title=Source: Bartolo Colon agrees to join A's|newspaper=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/7464755/source-bartolo-colon-agrees-one-year-deal-oakland-as|access-date=January 15, 2012}}</ref> He started the second game of the season for the Athletics in the Opening Series in Tokyo, Japan, throwing eight innings, giving up one run over three hits while recording six strikeouts.<ref>{{cite web|date=March 29, 2012|title=March 29, 2012 – Seattle Mariners at Oakland Athletics|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/OAK/OAK201203290.shtml|url-status=live|access-date=July 6, 2013|publisher=Baseball-Reference|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408175625/http://www.baseball-reference.com:80/boxes/OAK/OAK201203290.shtml |archive-date=April 8, 2012 }}</ref> On April 18 Colón threw 38 consecutive strikes, the most since 1988, when MLB began to collect pitching data in-depth, in a start against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.<ref>{{cite news|author=Kaduk|first=Kevin|date=April 19, 2012|title=Bartolo Colon throws 38 straight strikes, most since 1988|work=Yahoo Sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419164749/https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/bartolo-colon-throws-38-straight-strikes-most-since-154441200.html|access-date=July 6, 2013|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/bartolo-colon-throws-38-straight-strikes-most-since-154441200.html|archive-date=April 19, 2012}}</ref> He started the 2012 season with a 3–1 record and 2.64 earned run average, but faltered with a 1–4 record and 5.80 earned run average in his next seven starts.<ref>{{cite news|last=Slusser|first=Susan|author-link=Susan Slusser|date=June 1, 2012|title=A's Colon is an entertaining set of contradictions|work=The San Francisco Chronicle|url=https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/A-s-Colon-is-an-entertaining-set-of-contradictions-3600591.php|access-date=June 1, 2012}}</ref>
On August 22, 2012, MLB suspended Colón for 50 games after he tested positive for synthetic testosterone, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. He was the second major leaguer to be suspended within a two-week time frame for testosterone (along with San Francisco Giants star Melky Cabrera).<ref name="Jaffe" /><ref>{{cite web |last=Heyman |first=Jon |author-link=Jon Heyman |date=August 22, 2012 |title=Bartolo Colon fails MLB drug test; in line for 50-game suspension |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/19867752/bartolo-colon-fails-mlb-drug-test-in-line-for-50game-suspension |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106141243/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/19867752/bartolo-colon-fails-mlb-drug-test-in-line-for-50game-suspension |archive-date=November 6, 2013 |access-date=August 22, 2012 |website=CBS Sports |publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=August 22, 2012|title=Oakland A's pitcher Bartolo Colon suspended 50 games after testing positive for testosterone – Houston Chronicle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824202113/https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Oakland-A-s-pitcher-Bartolo-Colon-suspended-50-3807317.php|url=https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Oakland-A-s-pitcher-Bartolo-Colon-suspended-50-3807317.php|archive-date=August 24, 2012|access-date=August 22, 2012|website=The Houston Chronicle|publisher=Associated Press}}</ref>
The Athletics signed Colón to a one-year, $3 million deal for 2013.<ref>{{cite news |last=Slusser |first=Susan |author-link=Susan Slusser |date=November 3, 2012 |title=A's re-sign Bartolo Colon to 1-year deal |url=https://www.sfgate.com/athletics/article/A-s-re-sign-Bartolo-Colon-to-1-year-deal-4006320.php |access-date=November 3, 2012 |work=San Francisco Chronicle}}</ref> He was selected for his third All-Star team in July after posting an 11–3 record with a 2.78 earned run average.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Jane|date=July 6, 2013|title=Colon lone A's player selected as All-Star|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105211513/http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130706&content_id=52927728&vkey=news_oak&c_id=oak|url=http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130706&content_id=52927728&vkey=news_oak&c_id=oak|archive-date=November 5, 2013|access-date=July 6, 2013|website=Oakland Athletics|publisher=MLB.com}}</ref>
===New York Mets=== ====2014==== On December 11, 2013, Colón agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract with the New York Mets.<ref>{{cite web|last=Rubin|first=Adam|date=December 11, 2013|title=Source: Bartolo Colon, Mets agree|url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/10121812/bartolo-colon-agrees-deal-new-york-mets|url-status=live|access-date=December 11, 2013|work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212092141/http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/10121812/bartolo-colon-agrees-deal-new-york-mets |archive-date=December 12, 2013 }}</ref> On June 18, he got his first hit in nine years when he hit a double off Lance Lynn. On August 8, 2014, Colón recorded his 200th win in a 5–4 victory over the Phillies.<ref>{{cite web|date=August 8, 2014|title=Milestone Met: Colon cruises to victory No. 200|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_08_08_nynmlb_phimlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=nym|url-status=live|access-date=August 8, 2014|work=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810021214/http://mlb.mlb.com:80/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2014_08_08_nynmlb_phimlb_1&mode=recap_away&c_id=nym |archive-date=August 10, 2014 }}</ref> He is the third Dominican-born pitcher to do so, after Juan Marichal and Pedro Martínez, and the third pitcher to do so in a Mets uniform, after Orel Hershiser and Martínez. Colón finished the 2014 season with 31 starts, 15–13 record, {{frac|202|1|3}} innings pitched, 151 strikeouts, and a 4.09 earned run average while giving up 218 hits, 30 walks, 22 home runs, and 97 runs (92 of them earned).
====2015==== [[File:-WorldSeries Game 1- Bartolo Colon (22859495936).jpg|thumb|right|260px|Colón delivers a pitch during Game 1 of the 2015 World Series]] In 2015 against the Washington Nationals, Colón became the third opening day pitcher over 40 years old to strike out eight batters, after Cy Young and Nolan Ryan. On April 12, 2015, against the Atlanta Braves, Colón hit a run-scoring single off Alex Wood, the 6th run batted in of his career.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Puma|first1=Mike|date=April 12, 2015|title=Colón gets RBI single despite losing helmet, Mets win 4–3 over Braves.|work=New York Post|url=https://nypost.com/2015/04/12/bartolo-colons-savvy-pitching-and-goofy-hitting-save-the-mets/|access-date=April 12, 2015}}</ref> On April 23, 2015, Colón completed an unassisted pickoff of Atlanta Braves catcher A. J. Pierzynski en route to becoming the first pitcher aged 40 years or older to win his first four starts in a season in the past 80 years. He also tallied one more run batted in, a double on May 31, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|last1=DiComo|first1=Anthony|date=April 23, 2015|title=Colón picks off Pierzynski unassisted.|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/bartolo-colon-runs-down-aj-pierzynski-on-unassisted-caught-stealing/c-120078714|url-status=live|access-date=April 23, 2015|website=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425013837/http://m.mlb.com:80/news/article/120078714/bartolo-colon-runs-down-aj-pierzynski-on-unassisted-caught-stealing |archive-date=April 25, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Kerber|first1=Fred|date=April 24, 2015|title=4–0 at 41: The hilarious legend of Bartolo Colon keeps growing|work=New York Post|url=https://nypost.com/2015/04/24/bartolo-colon-really-surprised-how-well-hes-pitching-at-age-41/|access-date=April 29, 2015}}</ref> Colón became the first pitcher ever to record wins against one team (the Baltimore Orioles) for seven different clubs. Six pitchers held the previous record of six clubs.<ref>{{cite web|date=April 1, 2018|title=Elias Says...|url=http://espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20150506|url-status=dead|access-date=April 1, 2018|work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150526193123/http://espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20150506 |archive-date=May 26, 2015 }}</ref>
On June 9, 2015, Colón set a new Mets franchise record of most consecutive decisions as a starting pitcher, achieving 26 decisions in 26 consecutive starts. This record was previously held by Dwight Gooden.<ref>{{cite web|date=June 18, 2015|title=Dickey gets win over former team, Blue Jays beat Mets 7–1|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap?gameId=350618114|url-status=live|access-date=June 20, 2015|work=ESPN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619052553/http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=350618114 |archive-date=June 19, 2015 }}</ref> On September 5, 2015, Justin Bour of the Miami Marlins hit a chopper down the first-base line; Colón charged and made a behind-the-back flip to first for the out. Video of the play garnered widespread media acclaim.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brown|first=David|date=September 5, 2015|title=WATCH: Bartolo Colon behind-the-back flip defies belief|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151226074407/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25292263/watch-bartolo-colon-behind-the-back-flip-defies-belief|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25292263/watch-bartolo-colon-behind-the-back-flip-defies-belief|archive-date=December 26, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2021|website=CBS Sports}}</ref> In 33 games (31 starts), he finished the 2015 season with a 14–13 record and a 4.16 earned run average. On October 21, 2015, Colón pitched {{frac|1|1|3}} innings in relief to earn the win in game 4 of the 2015 National League Championship Series and help the Mets sweep the Chicago Cubs.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cohen|first=Jay|date=October 22, 2015|title=Mets sweep Cubs to reach World Series|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031075233if_/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/murphy-mets-sweep-cubs-reach-world-series-063626511--mlb.html|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/news/murphy-mets-sweep-cubs-reach-world-series-063626511--mlb.html|archive-date=October 31, 2015|access-date=April 19, 2021|work=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref>
On October 27, 2015, Colón pitched {{frac|2|1|3}} innings in relief and took the loss at the end of Game 1 of the World Series,<ref>{{cite web |date=October 27, 2015 |title=Boxscore: New York vs. Kansas City, Game 1 |url=https://www.mlb.com/gameday/446273 |access-date=March 17, 2025 |work=MLB.com}}</ref> becoming the oldest man ever to lose a World Series game.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Verducci|first1=Tom|date=October 28, 2015|title=Life and death provided backdrop for wild, historic World Series opener|url=https://www.si.com/mlb/2015/10/28/royals-mets-game-1-world-series-life-death|url-status=live|access-date=November 1, 2015|magazine=Sports Illustrated|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029172647/http://www.si.com/mlb/2015/10/28/royals-mets-game-1-world-series-life-death |archive-date=October 29, 2015 }}</ref> It was his first World Series appearance since he was a rookie with the Indians in 1997, and the Mets lost the series in five games to the Kansas City Royals.
====2016==== On December 16, 2015, Colón re-signed with the Mets on a 1-year, $7.25 million contract.<ref>{{cite web|last=Links|first=Zachary|date=December 18, 2015|title=Mets re-sign Bartolo Colon|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/12/mets-to-re-sign-bartolo-colon.html|url-status=live|access-date=December 18, 2015|publisher=MLB Trade Rumors|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222103241/http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/12/mets-to-re-sign-bartolo-colon.html |archive-date=December 22, 2015 }}</ref> He entered the 2016 major league season as the oldest active player. Following the retirement of Maicer Izturis, he became the last active major league player who appeared for the Montreal Expos.<ref>{{cite web|last=Axisa|first=Mike|date=March 4, 2016|title=Izturis retires, leaving Bartolo Colon as last active former Expos player|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309063209/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25504281/maicer-izturis-retires-leaving-bartolo-colon-as-last-active-former-expos-player|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25504281/maicer-izturis-retires-leaving-bartolo-colon-as-last-active-former-expos-player|archive-date=March 9, 2016|access-date=March 5, 2016|work=CBS Sports}}</ref>
thumb|right|Colón pitching for the Mets in 2016
On May 7, Colón hit his first major league home run, against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park off of James Shields. At age 42 years and 349 days, Colón broke a record, becoming the oldest major league player to hit his first home run. He was later awarded NL Player of the Week.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tsuji|first=Alysha|date=May 8, 2016|title=Bartolo Colon hit his first career home run and it was unbelievably glorious|url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/05/bartolo-colon-new-york-mets-home-run-miracles-do-happen|url-status=live|access-date=April 19, 2021|website=USA Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509113507/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/05/bartolo-colon-new-york-mets-home-run-miracles-do-happen |archive-date=May 9, 2016 }}</ref> On June 21, he was injured when Whit Merrifield hit his pitch right to the pitcher's mound, striking Colón in the thumb. He was immediately taken out of the game.<ref>{{Cite web|last=DiComo|first=Anthony|date=June 21, 2016|title=Mets' Bartolo Colon exits with injury in first|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mets-bartolo-colon-exits-with-injury-in-first/c-185382216|url-status=live|access-date=June 21, 2016|website=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508042410/https://www.mlb.com/news/mets-bartolo-colon-exits-with-injury-in-first/c-185382216 |archive-date=May 8, 2019 }}</ref> On July 8, Colón was named to the 2016 MLB All-Star Game, replacing Madison Bumgarner. On August 15, he drew a walk after having not been walked in his previous 281 plate appearances, achieving a new MLB record.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/08/mets-bartolo-colon-walk-record-wow-diamondbacks-video |title=At 43 years old and after 281 plate appearances, Bartolo Colon finally took a walk |last=Curtis |first=Charles |date=August 16, 2016 |website=USA Today |publisher= |access-date=May 6, 2021 |quote=}}</ref> On October 1, Colón became the 47th player ever to make 500 career starts.
===Atlanta Braves=== On November 17, 2016, Colón signed a one-year, $12.5 million contract with the Atlanta Braves.<ref>{{cite web|last=Adams|first=Steve|date=November 17, 2016|title=Braves Sign Bartolo Colon|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/11/braves-to-sign-bartolo-colon.html|url-status=live|access-date=November 17, 2016|work=MLB Trade Rumors|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112013730/http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/11/braves-to-sign-bartolo-colon.html |archive-date=November 12, 2016 }}</ref> The Braves designated him for assignment on June 29, 2017, after he put up a 2–8 record with an 8.14 earned run average and 1.78 WHIP in 13 starts.<ref>{{cite news|date=June 29, 2017|title=44-year-old pitcher Bartolo Colon gets DFA by Braves|work=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/19768092/atlanta-braves-designate-bartolo-colon-assignment|access-date=June 30, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Bowman|first1=Mark|date=June 29, 2017|title=Braves designate Bartolo for assignment|work=Atlanta Braves|url=http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/239492246/bartolo-colon-designated-for-assignment/?topicId=27118140|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702184917/http://m.braves.mlb.com/news/article/239492246/bartolo-colon-designated-for-assignment/?topicId=27118140|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 2, 2017|access-date=June 30, 2017}}</ref> He was released on July 4.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bartolo Colon Stats, Fantasy & News|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/bartolo-colon-112526|url-status=live|access-date=July 4, 2016|website=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421115003/https://www.mlb.com/player/bartolo-colon-112526 |archive-date=April 21, 2019 }}</ref>
===Minnesota Twins=== On July 7, 2017, Colón signed a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Christensen|first=Joe|date=July 7, 2017|title=Twins sign veteran pitcher Bartolo Colon to minor league contract|url=http://www.startribune.com/twins-sign-veteran-pitcher-bartolo-colon-to-minor-league-contract/433218573/|url-status=live|access-date=July 7, 2017|website=Star Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709142846/http://www.startribune.com:80/twins-sign-veteran-pitcher-bartolo-colon-to-minor-league-contract/433218573/ |archive-date=July 9, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Wagner|first=James|date=July 7, 2017|title=Bartolo Colon Signs Minor League Deal With Minnesota Twins|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/07/sports/baseball/bartolo-colon-minnesota-twins.html|url-status=live|access-date=July 7, 2017|website=The New York Times|via=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708180631/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/07/sports/baseball/bartolo-colon-minnesota-twins.html |archive-date=July 8, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Rapp|first=Timothy|date=July 7, 2017|title=Bartolo Colon, Minnesota Twins Agree to Minor League Contract|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2136814-bartolo-colon-minnesota-twins-agree-to-minor-league-contract|url-status=live|access-date=July 7, 2017|website=Bleacher Report|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708020827/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2136814-bartolo-colon-minnesota-twins-agree-to-minor-league-contract |archive-date=July 8, 2017 }}</ref> Colón was called up on July 18 to start against the New York Yankees.<ref>{{Cite news|date=July 18, 2017|title=Twins call on veteran Colon for start against Yankees (Jul 18, 2017)|language=en-US|work=FOX Sports|url=https://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/twins-call-on-veteran-colon-for-start-against-yankees-071817|access-date=July 19, 2017}}</ref> On August 4, he threw a complete game against the Texas Rangers; at age 44, he became the oldest American League pitcher to record a nine-inning complete-game win since 45-year-old Nolan Ryan did the same in 1992.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Grant|first=Evan|date=August 4, 2017|title=Instant replay: Colón beats a Nolan Ryan record as Rangers fall to Twins, 8-4|language=en|work=The Dallas Morning News|url=https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2017/08/04/instant-replay-colon-beats-nolan-ryan-record-rangers-fall-twins-8-4|access-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> Later that month he became the 18th pitcher to record a win against all 30 MLB teams, completing the feat against the Arizona Diamondbacks.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jackson|first=Shane|date=August 20, 2017|title=44 is the new 30: Colon has W vs. all MLB teams|work=MLB.com|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/twins-bartolo-colon-earns-win-over-30th-team-c249690568|access-date=August 22, 2017}}</ref> He became a free agent following the season.
=== Texas Rangers === On February 4, 2018, Colón signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers that included an invitation to spring training.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sullivan|first1=T.R.|date=February 4, 2018|title=Colon, Rangers agree to Minors deal|work=MLB.com|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/bartolo-colon-rangers-agree-to-minors-deal/c-265859400|access-date=February 5, 2018}}</ref> He was released on March 24,<ref>{{cite web|last=Downing|first=Kyle|date=March 24, 2018|title=Rangers Release Bartolo Colon|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/03/rangers-release-bartolo-colon.html|url-status=live|access-date=March 24, 2018|work=MLB Trade Rumors|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324201235/https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/03/rangers-release-bartolo-colon.html |archive-date=March 24, 2018 }}</ref> and signed another minor league contract with Texas on March 26.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sessions|first=Dave|date=March 26, 2018|title=Colon, Plouffe back on Minors deals|url=https://www.mlb.com/rangers/news/rangers-re-sign-bartolo-colon-trevor-plouffe/c-269736214|url-status=live|access-date=March 26, 2018|work=Texas Rangers|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180327000343/https://www.mlb.com/rangers/news/rangers-re-sign-bartolo-colon-trevor-plouffe/c-269736214 |archive-date=March 27, 2018 }}</ref> Colón was called up on April 2 to start against the Oakland Athletics.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Sullivan|first1=T.R.|date=April 2, 2018|title=Rangers call up Colon among flurry of moves|work=Texas Rangers|url=https://www.mlb.com/rangers/news/rangers-call-up-bartolo-colon-from-minors/c-270512142|access-date=April 2, 2018}}</ref> On April 15, Colón took a perfect game through 7 innings until walking Carlos Correa. Colón went through 7{{fraction|2|3}} innings, allowing one run as the Rangers won 3–1 in 10 innings.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sullivan|first=T.R.|date=April 16, 2018|title=Bartolo Colon flirts with perfection as Rangers top Astros|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/bartolo-colon-perfect-till-8th-in-rangers-win/c-272360668|url-status=live|access-date=April 16, 2018|work=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416200918/https://www.mlb.com/news/bartolo-colon-perfect-till-8th-in-rangers-win/c-272360668 |archive-date=April 16, 2018 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=April 16, 2018|title=Rangers vs. Astros, April 15, 2018 - Box Score|url=https://www.mlb.com/gameday/rangers-vs-astros/2018/04/15/529640#game_state=final,lock_state=final,game_tab=box,game=529640|url-status=live|access-date=April 16, 2018|work=MLB.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416134833/https://www.mlb.com/gameday/rangers-vs-astros/2018/04/15/529640 |archive-date=April 16, 2018 }}</ref> On April 28, 2018, he pitched seven innings while allowing six hits and three runs on 98 pitches, being the winning pitcher in a 7–4 result against the Toronto Blue Jays. This was the eleventh team with which he recorded at least one win.<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 28, 2018|title=Texas Rangers at Toronto Blue Jays Box Score, April 28, 2018|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TOR/TOR201804280.shtml|url-status=live|access-date=April 28, 2018|website=Baseball-Reference|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505070054/https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/TOR/TOR201804280.shtml |archive-date=May 5, 2018 }}</ref> A win on June 18 against Kansas City moved him past Juan Marichal, the "Dominican Dandy", to become the pitcher with most career wins from the Dominican Republic.<ref name=Record /> On August 7, in an 11–4 victory against the Seattle Mariners, Colón earned his 246th career pitching win, moving him past Dennis Martinez for the most victories all time by a Latin American-born pitcher.<ref name=Record /> He elected free agency on October 29, and was not signed for the 2019 season.
===Acereros de Monclova=== On February 14, 2020, Colón signed with the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican League.<ref>{{cite web|last=Todd|first=Jeff|date=February 14, 2020|title=Bartolo Colon, Rajai Davis to Play in Mexican League|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/02/bartolo-colon-rajai-davis-to-play-in-mexican-league.html|url-status=live|access-date=February 14, 2020|work=MLB Trade Rumors|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215004444/https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/02/bartolo-colon-rajai-davis-to-play-in-mexican-league.html |archive-date=February 15, 2020 }}</ref> However, he never played in 2020, since the Mexican League season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Todd |first=Jeff |date=July 1, 2020 |title=Mexican League Cancels 2020 Season |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/07/mexican-league-cancels-2020-season.html |access-date=March 17, 2025 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref> He made his first pre-season appearance for the team on May 1, 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kroeger |first1=Garrett |title=Tecolotes Dos Laredos fall flat against Bartolo Colon, Acereros de Monclova |url=https://www.lmtonline.com/sports/article/Tecolotes-Dos-Laredos-fall-flat-against-Bartolo-16145171.php |access-date=May 3, 2021 |work=Laredo Morning Times}}</ref> Colon made his regular season debut on May 21 and pitched five innings, giving up five hits and one run.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.awesemo.com/sideaction/bartolo-colon-picked-up-a-w-in-the-mexican-baseball-league/|title = Bartolo Colon Picked up a W in the Mexican Baseball League|date = May 21, 2021}}</ref> In August 2022, he announced that he would retire from baseball following one last season of winter league baseball with the Águilas Cibaeñas of Dominican Professional Baseball League.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mcwilliam |first=Bryan |title=Bartolo Colon to retire after winter league season |url=https://www.thescore.com/mlb/news/2408483 |access-date=August 31, 2022 |website=theScore.com |date=August 29, 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Randhawa | first=Manny | title=Bartolo Colon announces retirement | website=MLB.com | date=2022-08-29 | url=https://www.mlb.com/news/bartolo-colon-announces-retirement | access-date=2025-11-23}}</ref> In 11 starts 61.1 innings of work he went 6-2 with a 4.55 ERA and 40 strikeouts.
On June 2, 2023, Colón officially retired from professional baseball.<ref>{{cite web | last=Battifarano | first=Andrew | title=Beloved ex-Met Bartolo Colon finally retires from baseball at 50 | website=New York Post | date=June 3, 2023 | url=https://nypost.com/2023/06/02/ex-met-bartolo-colon-finally-retires-from-baseball-at-50/ | access-date=March 20, 2025}}</ref>
==Pitching style== [[File:-WorldSeries Game 1- Bartolo Colon (22885469075).jpg|thumb|right|Colón pitching for the Mets during Game 1 of the 2015 World Series]] Colón threw four pitches. Early in his career, he had excellent velocity on his four-seam fastball, throwing it in the mid-90s and occasionally touching 100 mph.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2010/12/cleveland_indians_scouting_bar.html|title=Cleveland Indians scouting Bartolo Colon; sign Japanese pitcher|last=Hoynes|first=Paul|date=December 19, 2010|work=The Plain Dealer|access-date=May 20, 2012}}</ref> In his later career, Colón's four-seamer sat at 86–91 mph, and he paired it with a two-seamer at 84–88 mph. This combination of fastballs made up nearly 90% of Colón's pitches, but he also throws a changeup to left-handed hitters, and a slider.<ref>{{cite web|title=Brooks Baseball · Home of the PitchFX Tool – Player Card: Bartolo Colon|url=http://brooksbaseball.net/player_cards/player_card.php?player=112526|url-status=live|access-date=May 20, 2012|publisher=Brooks Baseball|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207081233/http://brooksbaseball.net:80/player_cards/player_card.php?player=112526 |archive-date=February 7, 2012 }}</ref> He was primarily known as a control pitcher, with an exceptional ability to spot pitches at any location. This kept the number of walks he allowed to a minimum, but led to more hits as he would attempt to throw strikes.
==Awards and accomplishments== ===Awards=== * Cy Young Award (2005) * 4× MLB All-Star (1998, 2005, 2013, 2016) * 4× Pitcher of the Month Award (June 1998, May 2002, August 2005, June 2013) * 5× Player of the Week Award (June 21, 1998; September 24, 2000; September 14, 2003; September 6, 2016; May 8, 2016) * Players Choice Award for Outstanding Pitcher (2005) * ''The Sporting News'' Pitcher of the Year (2005) * Set record for most wins by a Latin American pitcher (247 – August 7, 2018)
===League statistical leader=== * 2× NL bases on balls per nine innings leader (2015, 2016) * 2× MLB complete games leader (2002, 2003) * NL hits allowed leader (2015) * MLB shutouts leader (2013) * AL wins leader (2005)
==Nickname==
Colón was known as "Big Sexy" by his teammates and the media.<ref>{{cite web|last=Lehman|first=Jonathan|date=December 25, 2015|title=Syndergaard family flaunts "Big Sexy" Bartolo Colon gear|url=https://nypost.com/2015/12/25/syndergaards-family-flaunts-big-sexy-bartolo-colon-gear/|url-status=live|access-date=April 22, 2016|website=New York Post|publisher=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225200514/http://nypost.com/2015/12/25/syndergaards-family-flaunts-big-sexy-bartolo-colon-gear/ |archive-date=December 25, 2015 }}</ref> He applied for a trademark on the Big Sexy nickname and plans on making apparel out of it.<ref>{{cite web|last=Foltin|first=Lindsey|date=May 18, 2016|title=Bartolo Colon files trademark on Big Sexy nickname|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624091729/http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/bartolo-colon-new-york-mets-files-trademark-big-sexy-nickname-051816|url=http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/bartolo-colon-new-york-mets-files-trademark-big-sexy-nickname-051816|archive-date=June 24, 2016|access-date=May 25, 2016|work=Fox Sports}}</ref>
==Personal life== Colón's wife, Rosanna, and their four sons; Bartolo Jr., Emilio, Wilder and Randy, live in New Jersey. On September 30, 2014, Colón and his wife became US citizens.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/mets/index.ssf/2014/09/mets_pitcher_bartolo_colon_and_wife_become_united_states_citizens.html |title=Mets pitcher Bartolo Colon and wife become United States citizens |last1=Vorkunov |first1=Mike |date=September 30, 2014 |website=NJ.com |access-date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref> Colón met his wife in the Dominican Republic when he was 13 years old.<ref name="childsupport" />
In 2015, Colón was sued in Manhattan by a Washington Heights woman seeking child support for her son and daughter, who were fathered by Colón during his marriage.<ref name="childsupport">{{cite news|last1=Marsh|first1=Julia|title=Bartolo Colon's double life with secret family|url=https://nypost.com/2016/05/18/bartolo-colons-double-life-with-secret-family/|access-date=May 18, 2016|work=New York Post|date=May 18, 2016}}</ref> On June 17, 2016, Colón and Alexandra Santos agreed to a deal that included child support payments.<ref name="childsupportgranted">{{cite news|last1=Ross|first1=Barbara|last2=Gregorian|first2=Dareh|title=Mets' Bartolo Colon and his baby mama reach deal in child support battle |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/mets-bartolo-colon-baby-mama-reach-child-support-deal-article-1.2678080/|access-date=December 18, 2018|work=New York Daily News|date=June 17, 2016}}</ref>
==See also== {{Portal|Biography|Dominican Republic|Baseball}} {{Div col}} * List of Major League Baseball annual shutout leaders * List of Major League Baseball career games started leaders * List of Major League Baseball career innings pitched leaders * List of Major League Baseball career strikeout leaders * List of Major League Baseball career wins leaders * List of Major League Baseball players from the Dominican Republic * List of Major League Baseball players suspended for performance-enhancing drugs * Los Angeles Angels award winners and league leaders {{Div col end}}
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Bartolo Colón}} {{Baseballstats|mlb=112526|espn=3602|br=c/colonba01|fangraphs=375|brm=colon-001bar|retro=C/Pcolob001}} * [https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/bartolo-colon/ Bartolo Colon] at SABR Bio Project
{{s-start|header={{s-ach}}}} {{succession box|title=American League Pitcher of the Month|before=Hideki Irabu<br>Derek Lowe<br>Barry Zito|years=June 1998<br>May 2002<br>August 2005|after=David Cone<br>Mark Mulder<br>José Contreras}} {{s-end}}
{{Cleveland Indians Opening Day starting pitchers}} {{Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Opening Day starting pitchers}} {{New York Mets Opening Day starting pitchers}} {{AL Cy Young}} {{AL wins champions}} {{Sporting News AL Pitcher of the Year Award}} {{Dominican Republic roster 2006 World Baseball Classic}} {{Dominican Republic roster 2017 World Baseball Classic}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Colon, Bartolo}} Category:1973 births Category:Living people Category:Acereros de Monclova players Category:Águilas Cibaeñas players Category:American League All-Stars Category:American League wins champions Category:Sportspeople of Dominican Republic descent Category:Anaheim Angels players Category:Atlanta Braves players Category:Boston Red Sox players Category:Buffalo Bisons (minor league) players Category:Burlington Indians players (1986–2006) Category:Canton-Akron Indians players Category:Charlotte Knights players Category:Chicago White Sox players Category:Cleveland Indians players Category:Cy Young Award winners Category:Dominican Republic emigrants to the United States Category:Dominican Republic expatriate baseball players in Canada Category:Dominican Republic expatriate baseball players in Mexico Category:Dominican Republic sportspeople in doping cases Category:Doping cases in baseball Category:Kannapolis Intimidators players Category:Kinston Indians players Category:Los Angeles Angels players Category:Major League Baseball pitchers Category:Major League Baseball players from the Dominican Republic Category:20th-century Dominican Republic sportsmen Category:21st-century American sportsmen Category:Minnesota Twins players Category:Montreal Expos players Category:National League All-Stars Category:New York Mets players Category:New York Yankees players Category:Oakland Athletics players Category:Pawtucket Red Sox players Category:People from Puerto Plata Province Category:Rancho Cucamonga Quakes players Category:Rochester Red Wings players Category:Salt Lake Bees players Category:Texas Rangers players Category:World Baseball Classic players of the Dominican Republic Category:2006 World Baseball Classic players Category:2017 World Baseball Classic players Category:Age controversies in sports Category:American expatriate baseball players in Mexico Category:Dominican Republic expatriate baseball players in the United States