At 43 years young, new Braves right-hander Bartolo Colon is still getting after it in the offseason. He signed a one-year deal this winter and is 10 wins behind Hall of Famer Juan Marichal for the most by a Dominican born pitcher.
Thanks to the magic of the internet, here's video of Colon working out at home in the Dominican Republic. Check out his shirt for an added bonus:
Bartolo Colon is getting after it in the Dominican Republic. He's chasing Marichal for the most wins by a pitcher from the DR. #Bravespic.twitter.com/8yBO5Z3oQh
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) December 15, 2016
Outstanding. Colon's a big dude, no doubt about it, but he's probably in better shape than most 43-year-olds. Well, maybe not most, but definitely a lot.
Here are the all-time wins leaders among Dominican pitchers:
- Juan Marichal - 243
- Bartolo Colon - 233
- Pedro Martinez - 219
- Ramon Martinez - 135
- Ervin Santana - 133
Marichal, Colon, and Pedro are in a class of their own.
Colon has won at least 10 games in each of the last five seasons. The Braves are rebuilding and did not have a 10-game winner in 2016 -- Mike Foltynewicz led the team with nine wins -- so Colon's pursuit of Marichal will depend as much on Atlanta's offense and bullpen as it does his own performance.