Last Updated: April 18th, 2024 by Michael Schatz
Nolan Ryan’s career is the stuff of legends, a testament to the endurance of an athlete who refused to be anything less than extraordinary. The “Ryan Express” was one of the most feared pitchers of his era, dominating hitters over four decades.
Let’s take a look at some of the moments and achievements that highlighted this unforgettable career.
The Miracle Mets: Ryan’s First and Only World Series Title
In 1969, the New York Mets shocked the sports world by defeating the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles four games to one in the World Series. Despite being only 22 years old, Nolan Ryan played a crucial supporting role in the Series, highlighted by his relief appearance in Game 3. He pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings, earning the save and giving the Mets a 2-1 series lead. The 1969 World Series would be the only World Series Ryan would reach in his 27 seasons.
The First Of Many: Breaking Walter Johnson’s Strikeout Record
On April 27, 1983, at the age of 36, Nolan Ryan did what many people thought would never happen. He passed Walter Johnson on the all-time strikeout list with his 3,509th strikeout.
While that was impressive on its own, Ryan would continue racking up strikeouts for another 10 seasons.
All Hail The King: Ryan Becomes The All-Time Strikeout King
Nolan Ryan became the first – and so far only – pitcher to strike out 5,000 batters in a career when he fanned Rickey Henderson on August 22, 1989. He would pitch in another four seasons and threw his final strikeout on September 17, 1993. His 5,714 career strikeouts remain as baseball’s all-time record, and will most likely remain so forever.
Can’t Touch This: An Unprecedented Seven Career No-Hitters
Nolan Ryan’s first no-hitter came on May 15, 1973. He struck out 12 Royals in a 3-0 win. His last no-hitter would come 18 years later on May 1, 1973, at the age of 44. All totaled, his 7 career no-hitters are the most in Major League Baseball history, and remain a testament to his skill and longevity in the game.
Age Doesn’t Matter: Ryan Leads AL at Age 43
Nolan Ryan was 43 years old when the 1990 season finished. But that didn’t stop him from leading the American League in strikeouts with 232. It was the eleventh and final time Ryan would achieve that honor.
Punching His Ticket: Ryan Notches 300th Career Win
On July 31, 1990, Nolan Ryan and the Texas Rangers defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 11-3. The win gave Ryan the 300th in his career, a mammoth achievement placing him among baseball’s pitching elite. That night, Ryan threw 146 pitches over 7 2/3 innings while striking out eight.
He would finish his career with 324 wins, tying him with Don Sutton for 14th on the all-time list.
Making a Splash: Ryan Homers in First Game as an Astro
Nolan Ryan began the Houston Astros portion of his career in 1980 and wasted no time endearing himself to his new fans. However this time he did it with his bat, taking none other than Don Sutton deep for a three-run home run.
The fun wouldn’t last though as the Dodgers would win the game 6-5. Ryan received a no-decision after pitching 6 innings of 4-run ball and only striking out three.
Baseball Hall of Fame Induction In 1999
Nolan Ryan finally hung up his cleats in 1993 at the age of 46. He would be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame six years later in 1999, his first year of eligibility, receiving an overwhelming 98.79% of the vote.
It was a fitting capstone for a career that redefined pitching excellence, proving Ryan wasn’t just a part of baseball history—he was one of its giants.
Nolan Ryan: The Author
After dominating hitters for the entirety of his incredible 27-year career, Nolan Ryan turned his attention to something a little less stressful: A writer. He became the co-author of six books, including the instructional Pitching and Hitting which he authored with Joel Cohen and Joe Torre.