1976 Topps #204 - AL Strikeout Leaders

• It's strange seeing an AL strikeout leaders card from the 1970s without Nolan Ryan on it. In 1975 he didn't pitch after August 24. Ryan struck out "only" 186 batters and started only 28 games.

• 1975 was the only season Frank Tanana would lead the AL in strikeouts. He struck out 261 batters in '76 but Ryan returned to form and retook the strikeout crown. After 1977 Tanana wasn't as much of a strikeout pitcher.

• Bert Blyleven led the AL in strikeouts once -- 1985. It's interesting that his only strikeout crown occurred so late in his career. Bert struck out 200 or more batters eight times in his career. He struck out 3701 batters in his career (5th all-time).

• Gaylord Perry struck out 200 or more batters eight times, but never led his league in strikeouts. Perry struck out 3534 batters in his career (8th all-time).