Nolan Ryan is considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. His remarkable career spanned over 27 years, during which he played for four different teams and set numerous records. Ryan is known for his explosive fastball, which was consistently clocked at over 100 miles per hour, as well as his impressive durability and longevity. In this article, we will take a closer look at Nolan Ryan’s career and why he is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time.
Early Years
Nolan Ryan was born in Refugio, Texas in 1947. As a child, he showed a strong interest in sports and started playing Little League baseball when he was eight years old. Ryan was also a standout football and basketball player in high school. However, it was his ability to throw a fastball that caught the attention of Major League scouts.
Ryan was drafted by the New York Mets in 1965 and made his Major League debut in 1966. He struggled in his first few seasons, but his potential was evident. In 1968, Ryan recorded his first 100-strikeout season, and in 1969 he helped lead the Mets to the World Series championship.
Rise to Stardom
In 1971, Ryan was traded to the California Angels, where he really began to shine. He led the American League in strikeouts for the first of eight times and posted a remarkable 16-14 record with a 2.28 ERA. Ryan’s blazing fastball and devastating curveball made him nearly unhittable, and he quickly established himself as one of the best pitchers in the game.
During his time with the Angels, Ryan also set a number of Major League records. In 1972, he became the first pitcher in history to strike out 300 batters in a season since Sandy Koufax. In 1973, Ryan threw two no-hitters, becoming only the fifth pitcher to accomplish that feat. He also set the record for the most strikeouts in a season with 383 in 1973.
Later Years and Retirement
Despite his success, Ryan was traded to the Houston Astros in 1980, where he continued to dominate. He threw four more no-hitters during his tenure with the Astros and set the all-time record for career strikeouts with 5,714.
Ryan spent his last five seasons with the Texas Rangers, where he continued to play at a high level. He retired in 1993 at the age of 46, with 324 victories and a career ERA of 3.19. Ryan is also the all-time leader in strikeouts per nine innings pitched with 9.55.
Final Thoughts
Nolan Ryan’s prowess on the baseball field is undeniable. He dominated the game for nearly three decades with his blazing fastball and devastating curveball. Ryan set numerous records, many of which still stand today. His impact on the game can be felt to this day, and he is widely considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time.
In addition to his impressive statistics, Ryan was also known for his strong work ethic and dedication to the game. He was a fierce competitor who always strived to be the best, and his influence on younger players continues to this day. For these reasons, Nolan Ryan remains a beloved figure in baseball history and a true icon of the sport.