Nolan Ryan

Nolan Ryan’s record-setting 27-year career established him as one of baseball’s greatest pitchers. After making his MLB debut on September 11, 1966, and playing a critical role in the New York Mets’ 1969 World Series championship by securing his first playoff win in the National League Championship Series and saving Game 3, Nolan Ryan went on to establish one of baseball’s most legendary pitching careers. Ryan, who was drafted by the New York Mets in the 12th round in 1965, laid the groundwork for his future performance during his early years with the Mets, despite some initial inconsistency. In December 1971, Ryan was traded to the California Angels, where his career trajectory transformed.

With the Astros, Ryan continued to break records, throwing his fifth no-hitter in 1981 and breaking Walter Johnson’s all-time career strikeout record in 1983. He also recorded his 3,000th career strikeout in 1980 and his 4,000th career strikeout in 1985. Demonstrating remarkable longevity, he led MLB in ERA (2.76) and strikeouts (270) in 1987 at age 40, despite limited run support. Ryan concluded his historic career with the Texas Rangers, signing with the team in 1988 at age 42.

He achieved his 5,000th career strikeout in 1989 and earned his 300th career win in 1990. He continued to defy expectations by throwing his sixth no-hitter in 1990 and his record seventh no-hitter in 1991. Ryan’s storied career ended in 1993 due to a torn ligament in his pitching arm, making him the last active player from the 1960s to retire. In recognition of his unparalleled achievements, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999, his first year of eligibility.