Eric Nolte

Nolte’s career began with a bang in July 1987 when he pitched seven shutout innings in a win against the defending NL West Champion Astros. He finished that year 2-6 with a 3.21 ERA as a starter for the Padres.

Despite his powerful lefty arm Nolte never matched his initial success, and at one point seriously considered joining the LAPD. Pads GM Joe McIlvaine released him early in 1991, citing his shaky emotional makeup, though his 11.05 ERA probably contributed to his downfall.