All-Angels Team – Starting Pitcher

Nolan Ryan (1972-1979)

Nolan Ryan is one of the best pitchers of all-time. The Halos acquired Ryan from the New York Mets on December 10, 1971 in exchange for star shortstop, Jim Fregosi. Angels’ fans were fortunate enough to watch Ryan pitch for eight seasons. Ryan made six All-Star appearances as a member of the California Angels, and finished in the top-five in Cy Young voting on three separate occasions.

‘The Ryan Express’ was unrelenting during his time in Anaheim. Ryan’s final numbers are astonishing, he collected 136 wins for the Halos, while posting an ERA of 3.07, and striking out a whopping 2416 batters. The Hall-Of-Famer was at his best when he was donning an Angels’ uniform. During his time in Anaheim, Ryan, struck out an average of 10 batters per 9 innings. Ryan led the American League in strikeouts in seven of his eight seasons with the Angels. For all the baseball nerds out there, he registered a WAR of 40.2 during his time with the Halos, good for the second highest total in team history.

Nolan Ryan collected 22 wins in the 1974 season, which is still tied for the highest single-season total in franchise history. Ryan hurled four no-hitters during his time with California, obviously a franchise record. An interesting side note: the highest single-season salary, Nolan Ryan, ever received from the Angels was $200,000. Quite a bargain!