14. Charlie Hough

When Charlie Hough was acquired by the Texas Rangers from the Los Angeles Dodgers in July 1980, he was considered just a 32-year-old relief pitcher known for his dancing knuckleball. By then, he had spent ten years working out of California's bullpen. However, the Rangers, facing a lack of stable pitching, made a surprising decision: they transitioned the veteran reliever into a starting pitcher. This move sparked an unprecedented ten-year period of remarkable durability, challenging conventional ideas of pitching longevity in Arlington.

Operating with a specialized pitch that minimized arm strain, Hough became a top, high-volume baseline anchor for a franchise enduring tough years. He maintained an impressive run from 1982 to 1990, surpassing 200 innings in eight of those nine seasons. Equipped with a tricky, unpredictable knuckleball complemented by a rare fastball and slider, his workload peaked in 1984 when he led the American League with 36 starts and 17 complete games. Unlike typical pitchers who needed careful rest, Hough managed his arm effectively, often allowing the bullpen full nights off, all while maintaining a legendary pregame routine of smoking a cigarette and solving a crossword.

This consistent performance led to a remarkable individual achievement in 1986. With a 17–10 record and a 3.79 ERA, Hough secured his only All-Star Game selection. That summer, he almost pitched a no-hitter against the Angels, reaching the ninth inning before a costly outfield error ended the attempt. Despite this, his skill at confusing hitters remained strong as he aged, especially highlighted by a standout 1987 season where he pitched an impressive 285.1 innings and struck out a career-high 200 batters.

By the time his remarkable 11-year run with the team concluded following the 1990 season, Hough had firmly rewritten the organization's record books. Though his heavy reliance on the knuckleball naturally produced its share of wild pitches and occasional losses, his sheer availability turned him into a Texas institution.

Hough appeared in 344 games (313 starts). He compiled a 139–123 record with a 3.68 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP, throwing a franchise-record 2,308 innings. He recorded 98 complete games, 12 shutouts, and tallied 1,452 strikeouts. He was formally enshrined as a member of the inaugural class of the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame in 2003.