Frank Tanana made the transition from a classic flamethrower with California to a crafty, curveballing veteran with Texas and Detroit. The Detroit native was TSN AL Rookie Pitcher of the Year in 1974, notched the first of three straight 200-strikeout seasons in 1975, and led the AL in ERA and shutouts in 1977. By age 25, however, his arm was thrown out, and a sore shoulder sidelined him for much of 1979. Tanana was second to Nolan Ryan among California’s all-time leaders in wins, starts, complete games, strikeouts, innings and shutouts when he was traded to Boston, where he spent one forgettable season. Learning to compensate for his lost fastball, he was Texas Pitcher of the Year in 1984. Traded to the Tigers in June 1985, Tanana became a mainstay of the Detroit staff. His victory on the final day of the 1987 season against Toronto put Detroit in the playoffs.
