Gary Nolan

Gary Lynn Nolan

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 6' 2½", Weight 197 lb.
• High School Oroville High School
• Debut April 15, 1967
• Final Game September 18, 1977
• Born May 27, 1948 in Herlong, CA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Gary Nolan made his major league debut with the Cincinnati Reds in 1967, when he was still 18. He turned 19 a month later, but spent the full season in the majors, going 14-8, 2.58, and pitching 226 2/3 innings. He continued to pitch well over the next five seasons, but missed time with injuries in both 1968 and 1969. He started and lost Game 1 of the 1970 World Series against the Baltimore Orioles after going 18-7, 3.26 during the season. He also started Game 4 that year, but was chased in the 3rd inning as the Reds came back to win their only game of the Series.

He had probably his best year in 1972, when the Reds returned to the Fall Classic. That year, he was 15-5, leading the National League in winning percentage and putting up an outstanding 1.99 ERA while being named to the All-Star Game for the only time of his career. As in 1970, he started and lost Game 1 of the Series, facing the Oakland Athletics this time, as he gave up two home runs to Gene Tenace. He was back on the mound for Game 6, but failed to get out of the 5th inning, and was not credited with the Reds' 8-1 win as a result. He missed almost all of the 1973 season with an injury, and all of 1974 came and went as well.

His return to form in 1975 coincided with the greatest years of the Big Red Machine. He went 15-9 that year, and again in 1976, as the Reds won the World Series both years. He made two starts in the 1975 World Series against the Boston Red Sox, but had a no-decision twice, then finally won a World Series game in Game 4 of the 1976 Series, beating the New York Yankees, 7-2, to complete a four-game sweep. He started out the 1977 season well, going 4-1 over his first 8 starts, but with a 4.81 ERA, then was sent to the California Angels for a minor leaguer at the June 15 trading deadline. He made 5 appearances with the Halos, going 0-3 with a 8.84 ERA, and his career was over at age 29. Overall in 10 seasons, he compiled a record of 110-70, for a .610 winning percentage, and a 3.08 ERA.

Gary was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame in 1983. He worked for 25 years in Las Vegas, NV, including some time as a blackjack dealer.

Notable Achievements

• NL All-Star (1972)
• NL Winning Percentage Leader (1972)
• 15 Wins Seasons: 4 (1970, 1972, 1975 & 1976)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 5 (1967, 1970, 1971, 1975 & 1976)
• 200 Strikeouts Seasons: 1 (1967)
• Won two World Series with the Cincinnati Reds (1975 & 1976)

Records Held

• Fielding percentage, pitcher, career, .990 (tied)

Related Sites

• Gary Nolan at the SABR Bio Project