Texas Rangers

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Lore & Background

Hough’s time in Texas defined the team's identity for a decade. His ability to eat innings made him indispensable; he was famous for throwing large numbers of complete games, leading the league in 1984 with 17. One specific moment from that season saw Hough pitch his final complete game while opposing pitcher Mike Witt of the California Angels hurled a perfect game, a rare dual occurrence. The following year, in 1987, Hough’s knuckleball created history behind the plate with catcher Geno Petralli, who committed four passed balls in one inning to tie the major league record set by Ray Katt in 1954. This record stood until Ryan Lavarnway tied it in 2013. These moments highlight how Hough's unique pitching style shaped the narrative of the franchise.

In Their Own Story

The transition from Los Angeles to Texas marked a dramatic shift for Hough, who joined the Rangers in 1980 after being sold by the Dodgers. While he had been a top reliever in California, the Rangers converted him into a starting pitcher, unlocking his potential as an innings-eater. He became the winningest pitcher in franchise history at the time, amassing 139 wins and 1,452 strikeouts before his departure in 1990. His dominance was such that he led the league in complete games in 1984 with 17. The rivalry between Hough’s Rangers and other American League teams often centered on his durability and eccentric pitching style. In one memorable sequence during his final complete game of the 1984 season, while Hough held a lead, Mike Witt threw a perfect game against him, creating a unique historical footnote where two pitchers achieved elite feats in the same contest.

Reader's Guide

For fans tracking Hough’s Rangers career, the key dates are 1980 to 1990. His primary weapon was the knuckleball, thrown approximately 80% of the time. He complemented this with a fastball and slider. In 1986, he reached his peak recognition by making his only All-Star team. The statistical legacy is clear: as of 2026, his records for wins (139), strikeouts (1,452), innings pitched (2,308), complete games (98), and losses (123) remain unbroken. When viewing matchups involving Hough in this era, look for the 17 complete games he recorded in 1984 and the 1987 incident with catcher Geno Petralli tying the single-inning passed ball record. His departure after 1990 left a void that no subsequent pitcher has filled regarding these specific franchise milestones.

Did You Know?

• Hough left the Texas Rangers in 1990 as the franchise leader in wins (139), strikeouts (1,452), innings pitched (2,308), complete games (98), and losses (123).
• In 1987, Hough’s catcher Geno Petralli committed four passed balls in one inning to tie the major league record.
• Hough made his only All-Star team appearance while playing for Texas in 1986.
• During the 1984 season, Hough led the league with 17 complete games; in his final complete game of that year, opposing pitcher Mike Witt threw a perfect game.
• Hough threw his "dancing knuckleball" approximately 80% of the time while pitching for Texas.