The 10 Greatest Pitchers in Texas Rangers History

Greatest Texas Rangers Pitchers: #2- Charlie Hough

Years: 11 (1980-1990)

G/GS/CG: 344/313/98

W-L: 139/123

ERA: 3.68

IP: 2,308.0

SO: 1,452

WHIP: 1.28

Charlie Hough was primarily a relief pitcher with the Los Angeles Dodgers before he joined Texas in a mid-season trade in 1980.  By 1982, Hough was converted into a starting pitcher with the Rangers.  In 1986, Hough was selected as an All-Star when he went 17-10 with a 3.79 ERA.

Hough was known for his knuckleball, a pitch he used almost 80% of the time.  In 25 MLB seasons, Hough recorded 216 wins, to place 4th all-time for a knucklball pitcher.

In parts of 11 seasons in Texas, Hough stenciled his name into the Rangers record books as he continues to lead all Rangers pitchers in Innings Pitched, Runs, Earned Runs, Home Runs, Hit Batters, Strikeouts, Wins, Loses, and Complete Games.

Hough makes my Top 10 Greatest Rangers pitchers because he is 1st in W, 4th in G, 1st in GS, 1st in CG, 3rd in SHO, 1st in IP, 1st in SO, and 6th in BA Against.

In 1990, when Hough was 42, he earned the highest salary ($1M) while playing in a Rangers uniform.

In 1994, at the age of 46, Hough retired from playing.  In 1996, Hough started his coaching career and from 2001-2002 was the pitching coach of the New York Mets, under former Rangers manager Bobby Valentine.

In 2003, Hough was enshrined into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame.