(graphic & audio contribution made by 20th Century Baseball / Shock Me)
Nolan Ryan, perhaps the greatest pitcher of the 60s, 70s & 80s, achieved more than most pitchers could ever dream in a MLB career that began on September 11. 1966. Click the link above to hear the astounding audio from Nolan's first appearance ever made in the Majors. It really sets the stage for the years to come as he grew into his own and became one of the most dominant strikeout pitchers ever to grace the mound. Quoting from Wikipedia Nolan achieved the following:
8× All-Star (1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1985, 1989)
World Series champion (1969)
2× NL ERA leader (1981, 1987)
11× Strikeout leader (1972–1974, 1976–1979, 1987–1990)
Los Angeles Angels No. 30 retired
Houston Astros No. 34 retired
Texas Rangers No. 34 retired
Angels Hall of Fame
Houston Astros Hall of Fame
Texas Rangers Hall of Fame
Major League Baseball All-Century Team
MLB records
5,714 career strikeouts
7 career no-hitters
No one on the day of his debut ever imagined the greatness Ryan would achieve over the course of his illustrious 27-year career. Nolan retired and became a member of Baseball's Hall of Fame 1999 receiving 98.79 % of the vote first time on the ballot!
