Nolan's rookie season in 1967 was impressive. At just 19 years old, he demonstrated remarkable poise and skill on the mound. He finished the season with a 14-8 record and an ERA of 2.58, striking out 206 batters in 227 innings. His performance earned him a second-place finish in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, a testament to his immediate impact on the team.
Throughout his career, Nolan was known for his fastball and excellent control. He played a crucial role in the Reds' pitching rotation during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Despite battling injuries, he consistently delivered strong performances when healthy. In 1970, Nolan helped lead the Reds to the National League pennant, although they ultimately fell to the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series.
The early 1970s saw Nolan continue to be a vital part of the Reds' success. In 1972, he had one of his best seasons, posting a 15-5 record with a 1.99 ERA. His efforts were instrumental in guiding the Reds back to the World Series, where they faced the Oakland Athletics. Although the Reds were defeated in a tightly contested seven-game series, Nolan's contributions were undeniable.
Injuries, however, began to take a toll on Nolan's career. He missed the entire 1974 season due to shoulder problems, which significantly impacted his ability to pitch consistently. Despite these setbacks, Nolan returned to the mound and played a key role in the Reds' 1975 and 1976 World Series championship teams. His experience and skill provided stability to the Reds' pitching staff during these championship runs.
Nolan's career with the Reds came to an end after the 1976 season when he was traded to the California Angels. His time with the Angels was short-lived, as injuries continued to hinder his performance. After the 1977 season, Nolan retired from professional baseball, concluding a career that, despite its challenges, was marked by moments of brilliance and resilience.
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