Nolan Ryan: The Legendary Baseball Pitcher Who Redefined The Game

Nolan Ryan is a name synonymous with baseball excellence, known for his remarkable achievements on the mound and his incredible longevity in the sport. From humble beginnings in Texas to becoming a Hall of Fame pitcher, Ryan has left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball (MLB). With a career spanning 27 years, he not only redefined what it meant to be a strikeout pitcher but also set numerous records that still stand today.

Born on January 31, 1947, in Refugio, Texas, Ryan's journey began in a modest environment where he developed a love for baseball at a young age. His unparalleled fastball and work ethic caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection in the 1965 MLB amateur draft. As fans and analysts alike often say, "Once you see Ryan pitch, you never forget it!"

This article delves into the life and career of Nolan Ryan, exploring his early years, career milestones, and his impact both on and off the field. We will also present some key takeaways to highlight the lessons learned from his remarkable journey, making this a must-read for baseball enthusiasts and aspiring athletes alike!

Table of Contents

• Who Is Nolan Ryan?
• Early Life
• The 'Ryan Express'
• Record-Setting Career
• Post-Playing Career and Off the Field
• Quick Facts
• Quotes

Who Is Nolan Ryan?

Nolan Ryan began his Major League Baseball career with the New York Mets in 1966. He hit his stride after a 1971 trade to the California Angels, earning renown as a top strikeout pitcher on the strength of an overpowering fastball. Over the course of his 27-year MLB career, Ryan recorded more than 300 wins and established records with his seven no-hitters and 5,714 strikeouts. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999, he later became president and CEO of the Texas Rangers.

Early Life

Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr. was born on January 31, 1947, in Refugio, Texas, to Lynn Nolan Ryan Sr. and Martha Lee Hancock Ryan. Six weeks after their youngest child's birth, the family moved to Alvin, Texas, a quiet area on the outskirts of Houston. Ryan developed a love for hunting and ranching as a child, and for several years, he woke up early to roll and deliver copies of The Houston Post.

Ryan also developed a love for baseball. He began playing in the Alvin Little League at age nine, providing a taste of things to come by throwing a no-hitter and making two All-Star teams. By the time he joined the varsity team at Alvin High School, he was already known for his unusual arm strength. His sizzling fastball caught the attention of New York Mets scout Red Murff, and Ryan was eventually selected in the 12th round of Major League Baseball's 1965 amateur draft.

The 'Ryan Express'

Ryan began his professional career in Marion, Virginia, in the Appalachian Rookie League. He impressed the organization to the point where he was allowed to appear in two games with the Major League team in 1966, though he demonstrated that he was still very much a raw talent. Ryan failed to make significant progress in 1967, as he served a six-month Army Reserve obligation and sat out for most of the baseball season with an arm injury.

Back in the Majors for good, Ryan posted a solid 3.09 ERA in 1968. The following year, he helped the Mets upset the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles in the World Series with his stellar relief pitching in Game 3. He was nicknamed the "Ryan Express" by the New York media, a play on the speed of his fastball and the 1965 movie Von Ryan's Express.

Record-Setting Career

After the 1979 season, Ryan signed a contract with his hometown Houston Astros that made him the first Major Leaguer to earn more than $1 million annually. While some questioned whether he deserved that distinction, Ryan continued to prove a top draw and a uniquely dominant pitcher. In September 1981, he again surpassed Koufax with a record fifth no-hitter, and he finished the strike-shortened season with an MLB-best 1.69 ERA.

The advancing years seemed to have little effect on Ryan's blazing fastball. In 1987, at the age of 40, he led the National League with a 2.76 ERA and 270 strikeouts. After signing with the Texas Rangers, he topped 300 strikeouts for the sixth time in a season in 1989. In 1991, he added to his record with his seventh and final no-hitter.

Post-Playing Career and Off the Field

Remembered for his overpowering fastball and remarkable longevity, Ryan breezed into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999 with 98.8 percent of the vote, then the second-highest percentage in the Hall's history. Outside of African American pioneer Jackie Robinson, he is the only player in Major League Baseball to have his uniform retired by three different teams.

Remaining active in the sport, Ryan became a special assistant to the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros and co-founded an ownership group that purchased two minor league teams. He was named president of the Rangers in 2008 and held the position of team CEO from 2011 through the end of the 2013 season. In 2014, he returned to the Astros as a special assistant.

Quick Facts

Quotes

• I can honestly say it took two full years for me to get over the fact that I was no longer a baseball player.
• Everyone has limits. You just have to learn what your own limits are and deal with them accordingly.