Former San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Eduardo Acosta took an unusual route to Major League Baseball.

Born in Boquete, a small mountain town on the western edge of Panama in 1944, Acosta told the Philadelphia Daily News years later that he did not so much as wear a baseball glove until he was 21 years old. Although his major league career was brief, Acosta's baseball journey was one of the most unique in the sport's history.

Former Rangers, Indians Outfielder Passes Away

Acosta died Thursday, according to Panamanian journalist Aurelio Ortiz , citing Acosta's nephew Ronald. Ed Acosta was 81.

In parts of three seasons (1970-72), Acosta went 6-9 with a 4.05 ERA in 57 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres. He also spent time in the Houston Astros' mino

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