The back: The Mexico reference is quite notable considering his post-career escapades.
The player: McLaughlin's unremarkable major league career was almost over at this point. McLaughlin, who got married in Mexico in 1979, pitched in that country in 1981 and 1982, before returning to the US to pitch for the Angels for 16 games in 1983. Overall in 129 games (35 starts) he went 16-25 with 16 saves and a 5.17 ERA.
The man: A year after his playing career ended, McLaughlin sold cocaine to an undercover police officer in California. McLaughlin failed to appear at his court appearance, instead fleeing to Mexico. With business contacts from his years pitching in the Mexican League, McLaughlin embarked on a lucrative career in the rapidly-growing counterfeit sneaker industry. McLaughlin would serve as the middleman between counterfeit shoe manufacturers in South Korea and Mexican associates who would bring the counterfeit sneakers into the U.S. McLaughlin made millions of dollars in this venture before a warrant for his arrest was issued by the U.S. Department of Justice in 1990. Again, McLaughlin posted bail only to flee the country, this time to France. Subsequent attempts to extradite McLaughlin to the US have been unsuccessful. He has been rumored to have been seen in France and various African countries. It is not even certain if he is still alive.
My collection: I have five of his cards, from 1979 to 1984. I would be interested in trading for 1978 Mr. Chef's San Jose Missions #17.
OK, when I look at random Topps commons, I don't think I'm going to be seeing an international criminal mastermind at large!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a crazy story! I wonder if we've heard the last of him.
ReplyDeleteWow! I wonder what his former teammates think of him.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading about this guy in Sports Illustrated. His off field escapades are way more interesting than his playing career.
ReplyDeleteWow! I was not aware of his story. That's crazy.
ReplyDelete