It is said that the foundation for Nolan Ryan's Hall of Fame career was laid in California. No one would have expected that the kid with the fastball he couldn't control would work the wonders he worked with the Angels. Although a bit apprehensive about the trade and the new team, Nolan now realizes that in California was a chance to prove himself. "I look back now," Ryan once said, "and realize that the Angels represented a fresh start." A young team craving experience, the club had no problem letting Ryan pitch and develop, something he couldn't do with the Mets. "I pitched 284 innings my first year with the Angels," Ryan said. "And that almost doubled any year with the Mets." Ryan flourished, leading the league in strikeouts 7 times, setting the single season strikeout record with 383 in 1973, pitching 4 no-hitters, and leading the team to the playoffs in 1979. But it wasn't to last. Angels GM Buzzie Bavasi wouldn't meet Nolan's contract demands, and the strikeout king packed his bags for Houston. Angels fans mourned the loss, some completely turning their backs on the team. Following Ryan's 6th no-hitter in 1990, Bavasi sent him a telegram saying, "Nolan, some time ago I made it public that I made a mistake. You don't have to rub it in." Milestones April 18, 1972 - First Angels' start vs Minnesota Twins @ California 9IP 4H 0R 0ER 8BB 10SO Win Mound opponent - Jim Perry Catcher - Art Kusnyer July 9, 1972 vs Boston - becomes first pitcher to strikeout the side on 9 pitches in both leagues Ties Major League and set American League record with 8 consecutive strikeouts May 15, 1973 - Pitches 1st no hitter July 15, 1973 - Pitches 2nd no hitter September 27, 1973 - Strikes out Minnesota Twins' Rich Reese to establish a Major League record of 383 strikeouts in a single season 1973 - Becomes the first recipient of the American League's Joe Cronin Award for significant achievement September 28, 1974 - Pitches 3rd no hitter June 1, 1975 - Pitches 4th no hitter 1977 - Selected by The Sporting News American League Pitcher of the Year June 16, 1992 - Inducted into California Angels' Hall of Fame Jersey number 30 retired Articles Angels still lament Ryan's second career (The Sporting News, 01/07/99) Statistics YEAR TEAM GAMES W L S.O. H BB CG SHO E.R.A. 1972 Angels 39 19 16 329 166 157 20 9 2.28 1973 Angels 41 21 16 383 238 162 26 4 2.87 1974 Angels 42 22 16 367 221 202 26 3 2.89 1975 Angels 28 14 12 186 152 132 10 5 3.45 1976 Angels 39 17 18 327 193 183 21 7 3.36 1977 Angels 37 19 16 341 198 204 22 4 2.77 1978 Angels 31 10 13 260 183 148 14 3 3.72 1979 Angels 34 16 14 223 169 114 17 5 3.60 TOTAL 8 years 291 138 121 2416 1520 1302 156 40 3.12 Pictures click on the thumbnail to view full size [Career Statistics] [The New York Mets Years] [The California Angels Years] [The Houston Astros Years] [The Texas Rangers Years] [7 Career No-Hitters] [5,714 Career Strikeouts] [Records] [Achievements] [Cooperstown Class Of 1999] [Nolan Ryan Baseball Cards] [Quotes] [The Nolan Ryan Story] [Miscellaneous Features] [Books, Videos, & Collectibles]