All-Angels Team – Starting Pitcher

Frank Tanana (1973-1980)

Frank Tanana was dominant for the Halos in the 70’s. Tanana was selected by the California Angels in the first round of the 1971 draft out of nearby California State University at Fullerton. Tanana made his big league debut in September of 1973 when he was just 19-years-old. Tanana pitched in an Angels’ uniform for 8 seasons, making the All-Star team three times. He finished in the top five in Cy Young voting on two occasions, and totaled 34.3 WAR, which is the fourth highest total in franchise history.

The Detroit, Michigan native tallied 102 victories with the Angels, tied for fifth in franchise history. He posted an impressive 3.08 ERA in his years in Anaheim, and averaged 6.9 strikeouts per 9 innings. Tanana pitched 92 complete games, with 24 of those being shutouts, the second highest total in Angels’ history.

Nolan Ryan’s star overshadowed Tanana, but Frank was one of the best number two pitchers in all of baseball during his time with the Angels.