#44 Andy Messersmith, RHP (1968-1972)

The Angels drafted Andy in the 1^st round of the 1966 amateur draft. He made his big league debut in 1968. In 1969, he led the AL with 6.084 hits/9 IP (5^th), and recorded a 2.52 ERA (9^th), with a 1.076 WHIP (8^th). In 1970, he again led the AL with 6.658 H/9 IP. In 1971, Andy won 20 games (T5^th), pitched 276.7 innings (T9^th) in 38 starts (T7th), made the All-Star team, and finished 5^th in the Cy Young Award voting. He allowed only 0.265 HR/9 IP in ’72 (5^th).

After the 1972 season, the Angels traded Andy in a blockbuster trade to the Dodgers with Ken McMullen for Billy Grabarkewitz, Frank Robinson, Bill Singer, Mike Strahler, and Bobby Valentine. In 5 years as an Angel, Andy is the team’s career leader with a 2.78 ERA (1^st). He also ranks among the career Top Ten with:

- a .557 W/L% (10^th)

- a 1.139 WHIP (2^nd)

- 6.535 H/9 IP (3^rd)

- 7.109 K/9 IP (9^th)

- 42 CG (T7th)

- 11 shutouts (T8th)

- 0.574 HR/9 IP (6^th)