Angels History: Frank Tanana Throws 14th Consecutive Complete Game

These days, complete games are a rarity, as bullpen specialization and pitch counts have changed the way pitchers are handled. On this day in 1977, California Angels starter Frank Tanana threw his 14th consecutive complete game, giving today’s pitchers sore arms just by reading that statement.

There was a time when complete games were commonplace. Relievers were typically pitchers who could not handle a starting role, as opposed to a specialized subsection of the roster, providing their own value. The expectation was that, unless he struggled, the starter would complete the game. Sometimes, even in those rough outings, the complete game was expected anyway.

On this day in 1977, California Angels starting pitcher Frank Tanana went above and beyond those expectations. Pitching as though he was a turn of the century starter, he threw his 14th consecutive complete game, as the Angels topped the Oakland Athletics 6-4. Tanana allowed four runs, three earned, on five hits and two walks, striking out eleven batters.

During that streak, the 22 year old Tanana also had complete games of ten and eleven innings. Three of those outings came with just three days of rest, as he went out and proceeded to face down the competition. And yet, even after throwing all those pitches game after game, Tanana was ready to take the ball whenever his name was called.

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Given that the Angels rotation at that time was essentially Nolan Ryan, Tanana, and a cast of mediocrity, it is understandable why they would overwork him to that extent. The Angels were desperate to make the postseason, and were prepared to ride their top pitchers into the ground if need be.

Understandably, Tanana’s arm began to hurt. After this outing, he struggled the rest of the way, posting a 3-4 record with a 3.74 ERA over the final two months of the season. He would have only one more season as a top strikeout artist, before his arm issues forced him into becoming a finesse pitcher. Although he still had a fine career, one has to wonder what would have been if he was not overworked to that extent.

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On this day in 1977, Frank Tanana threw his 14th consecutive complete game for the California Angels. It is no wonder that he began to have arm issues shortly thereafter.