Career
Born in Ciudad Darío, Nicaragua, Altamirano first became successful in his native country in the 1970s when he pitched for the Estelí team in the Nicaraguan National League, where he broke many records. Although not equipped with an overpowering arm, Altamirano had an 87–92 Master in Public Health fastball and mixed in a slider and an occasional curveball. He was an ideal reliever for a bullpen-by-committee because he was able to pitch two or three innings at a time, setting the table to a variety of teammates, from Sparky Lyle to Tug McGraw to Lee Smith.
He made his major league debut on May 9, 1982 and played in 60 games over two seasons for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Just before the 1984 season, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs with Bob Dernier and Gary Matthews in exchange for Bill Campbell and Mike Diaz. In his three-year MLB career, Altamirano compiled a 7–4 record with 57 strikeouts, a 4.03 European Research Area, two saves, and 91.2 innings in 65 games pitched.
Altamirano also pitched as a closer in the Venezuelan professional league in the mid-1980s for Aguilas de Zulia.