Frank Tanana

Frank Daryl Tanana

• Bats Left, Throws Left
• Height 6' 3", Weight 195 lb.
• High School Catholic Central High School (Detroit)
• Debut September 9, 1973
• Final Game October 1, 1993
• Born July 3, 1953 in Detroit, MI USA

BR page

Biographical Information

Once labeled California's most-eligible-bachelor while a high-spirited, fun-loving young lefty sensation, Frank Tanana credits the death of murdered teammate Lyman Bostock with helping put his life and career in a more proper, balanced perspective. A very religious man, Tanana is not afraid to convey his reverence for God and often refers to John 14:6. He started out his career as a fireballer. After arm problems, he became a finesse pitcher.

Tanana accumulated 240 wins during his career, with a career-high of 19 wins in 1976. He was the starting pitcher in the first game ever played in both the Kingdome and New Comiskey Park, throwing shutouts in both games. He won at least 10 games in seven of his eight seasons with the Detroit Tigers and is still active at the annual Tiger fantasy camps in Lakeland, FL. He started the last game ever played at Baltimore's Memorial Stadium, winning 4-1. He faced Minnie Minoso in both 1976 and 1980. Tanana and Rick Reuschel are the only pitchers to have given up home runs to both Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds.

His father Frank Richard Tanana was a minor league outfielder in the Cleveland Indians chain.

Notable Achievements

• 1973 Pitcher of the Year Texas League El Paso Sun Kings
• 1974 Topps All-Star Rookie Team
• 3-time AL All-Star (1976-1978)
• AL ERA Leader (1977)
• AL Strikeouts Leader (1975)
• AL Shutouts Leader (1977)
• 15 Wins Seasons: 6 (1975-1978, 1984 & 1987)
• 200 Innings Pitched Seasons: 13 (1974-1978, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1987-1989, 1991 & 1993)
• 200 Strikeouts seasons: 3 (1975-1977)

Records Held

• Home runs allowed, AL, career, 422

Further Reading

• Frank Tanana (as told to George Vass): "The Game I'll Never Forget", Baseball Digest, July 1993, pp. 55-56.[1]
• Frank Tanana (as told to Al Doyle): "The Game I'll Never Forget", Baseball Digest, December 2006, pp. 74-76.[2]