He led all AL pitchers in games started, innings pitched, and strikeouts, and he finished second in wins.

For his efforts, he was named the AL pitcher of the month, the first Rays player to win the honor.

Baseball historian Stephen Lombardi said that Garcia may have been the best AL pitcher that year.

That win gave Zito the most wins by an AL pitcher with 14.

He led AL pitchers four times in complete games, and three times in innings.

This puts AL teams at a disadvantage when they play in NL parks, as AL pitchers are typically not used to having to bat.

The other AL pitcher to get a hit that year was Roger Clemens on May 23.

In 1973 he pitched the most shutouts of any AL pitcher, with 9.

He has twice finished with the best range factor per 9 innings among AL pitchers, and his .983 fielding percentage ranks 11th all-time among qualified pitchers.

Also, since the designated hitter has become so well established in the American league, it seems to be likely that no other AL pitcher will ever have the chance again.