Who was the last pitcher not named Nolan Ryan to hold the all-time major league strikeout record, (i.e. there is a pitcher who, after surpassing Walter Johnson's strikeout number, was at times ahead of Ryan)?

lanfranco

Let's try Steve Carlton. See baseball-reference.com Jun 30 05, 6:27 PM

bigponder

Frankie, you're right, it was Lefty. For a few starts in 1983 he and Ryan were alternating as the all-time record holder. Jun 30 05, 10:44 PM

gtho4

These are the dates in question, when the record was swapped between Steve Carlton and Nolan Ryan. » April 27, 1983: In a 4–2 win over the Expos, Nolan Ryan strikes out Brad Mills to move a strikeout ahead of Walter Johnson and become baseball's all-time leader at 3,509. Ryan will finish the season at 3,677, with Steve Carlton leading at 3,709. » May 20, 1983: In a 5–0 loss to the Padres, Steve Carlton strikes out four batters to move past Walter Johnson into 2nd place on baseball's all-time strikeout list. Carlton's 3,511 strikeouts leave him 10 behind Nolan Ryan, who broke Johnson's record earlier this season. » June 7, 1983: Steve Carlton overtakes Nolan Ryan as baseball's all-time strikeout leader, fanning six batters in a 2–1 loss to the Cardinals to bring his career total to 3,526. In Houston, Ryan strikes out three Giants while getting no decision in the Astros' 4–2 win, leaving him with 3,525. http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/R/Ryan_Nolan.stm Jul 01 05, 1:33 AM