#1 Nolan Ryan, RHP (1972-1979)

Nolan Ryan was acquired by the Angels on December 10, 1971 in what is considered the greatest trade in Angels’ history: Jim Fregosi for Nolan Ryan, Frank Estrada, Don Rose, and Leroy Stanton. He was immediately given the opportunity never fully afforded him in New York – a permanent spot in the starting rotation. The opportunity immediately paid dividends as the Ryan Express picked up speed on its journey toward Cooperstown.

Among his many accomplishments in Anaheim, Ryan pitched 4 of his ML record 7 no-hitters, and 6 of his ML record 12 one-hitters, as an Angel. Twice he struck out an AL record 8 consecutive batters, and tied a ML record with 19 strikeouts in a game. Nolan was the first pitcher to officially record a pitch over 100 mph. In 1972 he became the first pitcher to strike out the side on 9 pitches in both leagues. In 1973, Nolan became the first winner of the Joe Cronin Award, in recognition of his ML record 383 strikeouts. He was named AL Player of the Month Award in 8/74 and 9/76. In 1977, Ryan was named AL TSN Pitcher of the Year. He represented the team as an All-Star in ’72, ’73, ’75, ’77, and ’79.

In 1979, Ryan led the Angels to their first playoff appearance. In the playoffs, Ryan struck out 8, and allowed 1 ER over 7 innings for a 1.29 ERA in his only start (a no-decision). Although it was his only playoff appearance for the Halos, Ryan eventually cracked the ML postseason Top Ten leader board with 46 strikeouts (T8th, LCS career) and 10.016 K/9 IP (3^rd, LCS career).

Following the 1979 season, the Angels’ GM, Buzzy Bavasi took a hard line stance with the franchise’s greatest player, claiming he could always replace his 16-14 record with two 8-7 pitchers. It was a mistake Bavasi would soon regret. Nolan signed with the Astros, and played fourteen more seasons, racking up the greatest strikeout numbers of anyone to play the game. Nolan’s #30 was retired by the Angels, and he was inducted into the Angel Hall of Fame in 1992. He is the only Major League Hall of Famer to play more games for the Angels than any other ball club.

After 8 years in Anaheim, the Angels’ Player of the 70’s is the Angels’ career leader with:

- 156 complete games

- 40 shutouts

- 1,302 walks

- 2,416 strikeouts

Nolan also ranks among the Angels’ all-time Top Ten with:

- a 41.1 WAR for Pitchers (2^nd)

- a 3.07 ERA (4^th)

- 138 wins (2^nd)

- 6.271 Hits/9 IP (2^nd)

- 9.968 K/9 IP (2^nd)

- 291 games (8^th)

- 2,181.3 innings pitched (2^nd)

- 288 games started (2^nd)

- 0.474 HR/9 IP (2^nd)

- 9,178 batters faced (2^nd)

Ryan’s single season records include: 22 wins (’74), 5.261 Hits/9 IP (’72), 10.574 K/9 IP (’73), 332.7 innings pitched (’74), a ML record 383 strikeouts (’73), 41 games started (’74), and 26 complete games (’73 & ’74).

He has appeared on the team’s Top Ten seasonal leader board in:

- WAR for pitchers (twice – ’73, ‘77)

- ERA (once – ‘72)

- Wins (4x – ’72, ’73, ’74, ‘77)

- Innings pitched (5x – ’72, ’73, ’74, ’76, ‘77)

- Strikeouts (6x – ’72, ’73, ’74, ’76, ’77, ‘78)

- Games started (5x - ’72, ’73, ’74, ’76, ‘77)

- Complete games (6x - ’72, ’73, ’74, ’76, ’77, ‘79)

- Shutouts (4x – ’72, ’75, ’76, ‘79)

- Hits/9 IP (5x – ’72, ’73, ’74, ’76, ‘77)

- K/9 IP (7x – ’72, ’73, ’74, ’76, ’77, ’78, ‘79)

- HR/9 IP (once – ‘77)

* League leader years highlighted