The INSANE Prime of Nolan Ryan

Nolan Ryan, also known as “The Ryan Express,” terrified opposing hitters in four different decades. Regarded as one of the most intimidating pitchers ever, Nolan was a prototypical flamethrower, and is widely believed to have thrown harder than anyone in big league history. Consequently, he had erratic command that meant sometimes he did not know where the ball would end up. Ryan, armed with a blistering fastball and a lethal 12 to 6 curveball, set a staggering number of records, many of which are linked to his 5,714 strikeouts, the most for an MLB career. Nolan was a mythical, larger-than life figure that defied comprehension, yet somehow was never recognized as the league’s best pitcher. While the spotlight constantly followed Ryan, he exemplified humility off the field. 

Nolan Ryan Foundation
https://nolanryanfoundation.org

Players (and others) relevant to the video: Sandy Koufax, Red Murff, Jim Fregosi, Reggie Jackson, Bert Blyleven, Jim Palmer, Sparky Lyle, Aroldis Chapman, Walter Johnson, Steve Carlton, Bo Jackson, Roberto Alomar, Dave Winfield, Robin Ventura, Randy Johnson, Bob Feller, Cy Young, Bobby Bonds, Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Sr., Ken Griffey Jr., Jackie Robinson

0:00 Intro
1:09 Biography
2:25 Rookie Ryan
3:03 The Ryan Express
4:35 Hello, Halos
6:14 The Next Level
8:12 108 MPH Heat
9:56 Tying Koufax
10:43 Effectively Wild
11:34 The First Million Dollar Man in Pro Sports
12:54 3K
13:43 Passing Koufax
14:58 Passing Walter Johnson
15:52 4K
16:23 Tommy John Surgery?
17:29 Bizarre Season
18:21 The Top Power Pitcher
18:47 Ryan joins the Rangers
19:22 5K
20:03 Bloody Lip
21:04 Oldest No-No
22:11 Ryan vs. Robin
23:16 Bittersweet Farewell
23:48 Career Overview/Post-Retirement
25:34 Philanthropy
26:00 Conclusion
26:34 Ryan’s Records

#mlb #rangers #1980s

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Outro: “Straddle in the Heartland” by Rockin’ For Decades

Additional tags: Nolan Ryan biography, Nolan Ryan childhood, Nolan Ryan family, Nolan Ryan high school, Nolan Ryan drafted, Nolan Ryan traded to Angels, New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Texas baseball, 1969 World Series, 1973, 1981, 1989, Cy Young, Nolan Ryan prime, Nolan Ryan career, Nolan Ryan fastball, Nolan Ryan curveball, Nolan Ryan 108.1 mph, Nolan Ryan 108 mph fastball, Nolan Ryan 100.9 mph, Nolan Ryan records, Nolan Ryan fight, Nolan Ryan vs Robin Ventura, Nolan Ryan highlights, Nolan Ryan pitching, Nolan Ryan first pitch, Nolan Ryan documentary, Nolan Ryan mechanics, Nolan Ryan pitching mechanics slow motion, nolan ryan bo jackson, walks, strikeouts, intimidating, Nolan Ryan no hitter, Nolan Ryan bloody lip, Nolan Ryan 7th no hitter, Nolan Ryan strikeout record, Nolan Ryan Walter Johnson, Nolan Ryan 4,000 strikeout, Nolan Ryan 5,000 strikeout, Nolan Ryan last pitch, Nolan Ryan fastest pitch, Nolan Ryan interview, Nolan Ryan weight lifting, Nolan Ryan workout regimen, Nolan Ryan Tom House, Nolan Ryan signs with Astros, Nolan Ryan signs with Rangers, Facing Nolan, Fastball Documentary, Nolan Ryan Hall of Fame, Nolan Ryan Cooperstown, Nolan Ryan retired number, Number 30, Number 34, Nolan Ryan Foundation, philanthropy, Nolan Ryan injuries, Nolan Ryan missed time, Nolan Ryan Tommy John surgery, Nolan Ryan baseball, Nolan Ryan retirement, 1960s baseball, 1970s baseball, 1980s baseball, 1990s baseball, insane prime, historic level, cam23, Cam 23

Sources:

Nolan Ryan

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ryanno01.shtml
https://stathead.com/baseball/
https://baseballhall.org/discover-more/stories/inside-pitch/nolan-ryan-tosses-his-fourth-no-hitter
https://www.mlb.com/news/nolan-ryan-amazing-stats-and-facts
https://baseballhall.org/discover/inside-pitch/ryan-strikes-out-19
https://baseballhall.org/discover/inside-pitch/ryan-throws-seventh-no-hitter
https://www.biography.com/athlete/nolan-ryan
https://baseballhall.org/discover-more/stories/inside-pitch/nolan-ryan-fifth-no-hitter
https://baseballhall.org/discover/inside-pitch/ryan-reaches-3000-strikeout-mark
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-09-03-sp-24346-story.html
https://www.mlb.com/news/tracy-ringolsby-ryan-express-kept-rolling-after-elbow-injury/c-106084106#:~:text=As%20the%201986%20season%20came,ligament%20tear%20in%20the%20elbow.
https://www.mlb.com/news/nolan-ryan-threw-235-pitches-in-one-game#:~:text=Taking%20the%20mound%20for%20the,to%20accounts%20from%20the%20game.
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/astros-shake-up-front-office-as-nolan-ryan-leaves-adviser-role-owners-son-joins-leadership-team/#:~:text=To%20begin%20with%2C%20Hall%20of,of%20Fox%2026%2C%20among%20others.
https://www.mlb.com/news/pitchers-with-two-no-hitters-in-the-same-season

Nolan Ryan, also known as “The Ryan Express,” terrified opposing hitters in four different decades. Regarded as one of the most intimidating pitchers ever, Nolan was a prototypical flamethrower, and is widely believed to have thrown harder than anyone in big league history. Consequently, he had erratic command that meant sometimes he did not know where the ball would end up. Ryan, armed with a blistering fastball and a lethal 12 to 6 curveball, set a staggering number of records, many of which are linked to his 5,714 strikeouts, the most for an MLB career. Nolan was a mythical, larger-than life figure that defied comprehension, yet somehow was never recognized as the league’s best pitcher. While the spotlight constantly followed Ryan, he exemplified humility off the field. Thank you to everyone for the suggestions, and make sure to leave a comment on who you want to see next. As always if you enjoy please leave a like and consider subscribing. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @Cam23_yt and hit the bell to enable all notifications so you don’t miss any future Cam 23 videos. BIOGRAPHY Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr. was born on January 31, 1947, to parents Lynn Sr. and Martha. The youngest of six children, Nolan spent his childhood in Alvin, Texas, where he would develop a strong passion for baseball. He embraced the country lifestyle, finding joy in being a rancher and tending to cattle. If playing professional baseball did not work out, Nolan would pursue a career as a veterinarian. Starting at 8 years old, he spent every morning with his father between 1 and 4 a.m. delivering newspapers in the local area. Nolan idolized Sandy Koufax. As a spectator, Ryan was captivated watching his baseball hero pitch. By the time he was a high school sophomore, Nolan was a varsity pitcher with electrifying talent. As a senior, Ryan pitched in 27 games and struck out 211 batters, allowing 61 walks. Red Murff, a New York Mets scout and former MLB player, took notice of Ryan’s vast potential. He described the ball hitting the catcher’s mitt as sounding like a “muffled rifle shot.” In the first ever MLB draft in 1965, Nolan Ryan was selected by the Mets as the 295th overall pick. During his second year of pro ball, Nolan racked up an astonishing 307 strikeouts and was promoted to the Major League team. In his debut on September 11, 1966, Ryan struck out 3 in 2 innings of relief, allowing one run against the Atlanta Braves. In 1967, Nolan served in the Army Reserve and sat out the baseball season with an arm injury. Ryan alternated between a starting and relieving role to begin his career. In 1968, he finished the year with a 3.09 ERA and 133 K’s in 134 innings. In 1969, Nolan continued his military obligation and pitched 89.1 innings, posting 92 strikeouts. The Mets were a 100-win team, clinched the N.L. East, and faced the Braves in the championship series. In Game 3, Nolan Ryan pitched 7 brilliant innings in relief, allowing two runs and striking out 7. His remarkable effort allowed New York to close out a 3-game sweep. In their first World Series appearance, the Mets played the Baltimore Orioles. After losing Game 1, the Miracle Mets won 4 straight to seal their first title in franchise history. In Game 3, Nolan made his lone outing of the Fall Classic, earning the save after pitching 2.1 scoreless innings and fanning three batters. The New York media affectionately nicknamed him the "Ryan Express," a play on the blazing speed of his fastball and the 1965 movie Von Ryan’s Express. *TRANSITION* Nolan’s 1970 and 1971 seasons demonstrated how unpolished he was on the hill. In 283.2 innings combined, he walked 213 compared to 262 strikeouts. During his early career, Ryan’s goal was to pitch long enough to earn a pension, which he accomplished after the ‘71 season. The inconsistencies paired with not getting regular playing time led Ryan to contemplate quitting baseball. Nolan’s wife, Ruth, urged him to continue playing. In December of 1971, the Mets traded Ryan and three other players to the California Angels in exchange for Jim Fregosi. Under the guidance of his new pitching coach, Tom Morgan, Nolan harnessed his fastball and learned to throw a wicked curveball. Morgan reshaped Ryan’s mechanics, enabling him to follow through and stay balanced. In the first half of 1972, Nolan was an instant success with the Angels, making his first All-Star team after punching out 156 in 143.1 innings. In the second half, he registered a stellar 1.41 ERA. Nolan Ryan had so much confidence that he frequently challenged hitters with his fastball. Reggie Jackson described his experience when facing the Ryan Express: “I’ve never been afraid at the plate but Mr. Ryan makes me uncomfortable. He’s the only pitcher who’s ever made me consider wearing a helmet with an ear flap.” Nolan ended the year with 19 wins, a 2.28 ERA, and 20 complete games in 39 starts across 284 innings. Ryan led the league with 9 shutouts, 329 strikeouts, 157 walks, 18 wild pitches, 5.26 hits per 9, and 10.4 strikeouts per 9. His 5.26 hits per 9 is an MLB single-season record! His 16 losses can largely be attributed to poor run support. There were six instances where he pitched at least 7 innings, allowed two runs or less but took the loss. Ryan received MVP votes for the first time and finished 8th in A.L. Cy Young voting. *TRANSITION* In 1973, Nolan Ryan took his game to the next level. On May 15th, facing the Royals, Ryan was untouchable, completing his 1st no-hitter! He allowed three walks and struck out 12. Just two months later on July 15th, Nolan delivered his second no-hitter against the Tigers! He allowed four free passes and struck out 17! Ryan is still one of only 6 pitchers to accomplish multiple no-no’s in the same season. Nolan was selected to his 2nd straight All-Star team. From August 29th to September 27th, during his quest to make strikeout history, Ryan went 7-0 with a 1.94 ERA and 79 K’s in 65 innings. He went the distance in all seven of his starts. Nolan overcame leg discomfort in his final outing of the season to strike out 16 in an 11 inning complete game win over the Twins. The contest going to extras allowed Ryan to break Sandy Koufax’s single-season mark with his 383rd strikeout, setting an all-time record that still stands. Randy Johnson’s 372 K’s in 2001 is the closest anyone has come to matching this. In 41 games, 39 being starts, Nolan posted a 2.87 ERA, 26 complete games, and 4 shutouts. In 326 innings, he walked 162 and struck out 383, both MLB-best totals. Bert Blyleven struck out the second most batters, with 258, a distant 125 punchies away! Ryan also led the league with 10.6 strikeouts per 9. Accruing 21 victories made him a 20-game winner for the first time. Nolan received MVP votes and was the runner-up to Jim Palmer in A.L. Cy Young voting, who won the ERA title that year. *TRANSITION* In 1974, Nolan struck out 19 in a game on three occasions, which at the time was tied for the most K’s in a 9-inning contest. The first was a mind-boggling 13-inning, 235-pitch start on June 14th, the second was August 12th – one start after coming within two outs of a no-no, and the third was an 11-inning one run gem on August 20th. In this final occurrence, even though he was handed a tough luck loss, Ryan set a then-Guinness World Record with a 100.9 mile per hour pitch! Impressively, it was thrown in the 9th inning. This scorching fastball was clocked with primitive radar gun technology 10 feet from home plate. If it had been measured at roughly 5-10 feet from the mound like it is today, Ryan’s pitch is estimated to have traveled at 108.1 miles per hour. While unofficial, it would be faster than the current MLB record of 105.8 miles per hour, set by Aroldis Chapman in 2010. On September 28th, facing the Twins, Nolan captured his 3rd no-hitter. He walked an alarming 8 batters, but was able to hold Minnesota scoreless, racking up 15 K’s! In a year where he was not an All-Star, Ryan won 22 games, notching a 2.89 ERA, 26 complete games and 3 shutouts. In an MLB-best 332.2 innings, he was effectively wild, walking 202 and striking out 367. He led the league in walks, K’s, hits per 9, and strikeouts per 9. Nolan received MVP votes and finished 3rd in A.L. Cy Young voting. *TRANSITION* On June 1, 1975, while dealing with lower half muscle pulls and bone chips in his elbow, Ryan achieved his 4th no-hitter against the Orioles, tying Sandy Koufax for the most all-time. In a 1-0 game, Nolan struck out nine and walked four. Ryan made his 3rd All-Star team and battled injuries the remainder of the season. He made a reduced 28 starts, with 10 complete games and 5 shutouts. In 1976, Nolan led the majors with 7 shutouts, 327 strikeouts, 183 walks, 6.1 hits per 9 and 10.4 strikeouts per 9. He tossed 21 complete games in 39 starts, but endured 18 losses, a career high figure that led the league. In 1977, Ryan was selected to his 4th All-Star team and tallied many MLB-best stats, including – 22 complete games, 341 strikeouts, 204 walks, 21 wild pitches, 6.0 hits per 9, 0.4 home runs per 9, and 10.3 strikeouts per 9. In the A.L., his 2.77 ERA and 299.0 innings were both ranked 3rd. Nolan received MVP votes and was in the running for the Cy Young Award. In a close race, Ryan finished 3rd, behind Jim Palmer and Sparky Lyle, who was bestowed with this honor. 1978 was an underwhelming year for Nolan, but that still meant leading the league with 260 strikeouts and 10.0 strikeouts per 9. By measure of ERA+, he was slightly below league average production. In the first half of 1979, Ryan assembled a 12-6 record, 2.54 ERA, 13 complete games, 5 shutouts, and 160 strikeouts. On July 13th, he fanned 9 batters and came two outs shy of another no-hitter, yielding one hit, one unearned run, and five walks in the complete game win. On three days’ rest, he was the American League’s starting pitcher at the All-Star Game, marking his 5th appearance. Ryan ended the year with a league-best 5 shutouts, 223 strikeouts, 6.8 hits per 9, and 9.0 strikeouts per 9. Nolan received his first postseason opportunity with the Angels as they claimed the A.L. West division, matching up with the Orioles in the ALCS. In Game 1, Ryan pitched 7 innings, allowed three runs – one earned, and struck out 8! Unfortunately, the Angels would fall in extras and lost the series. Shortly after, Nolan hit the open market via free agency. Angels’ general manager, Buzzie Bavasi, undervalued the team’s workhorse, making Ryan’s decision to depart a no-brainer. Nolan returned close to home after signing a 4 year, $4.5 million deal with the Houston Astros – making him the first pro athlete with a million dollar salary! *TRANSITION* On April 12, 1980, Nolan upstaged his Astros pitching debut by hitting his first career home run. On July 4th, Ryan became the 4th pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts. Currently, 19 players have accomplished this milestone. Nolan struck out 200 for the 5th consecutive season, but led the league with 98 walks. After winning a Game 163 tiebreaker against the Dodgers, Houston claimed the N.L. West division. Facing the Phillies in the NLCS, Nolan encountered mixed results. In Game 2, he pitched 6.1 innings of 2-run ball, but in Game 5, surrendered 6 runs in 7 innings. One win away from the World Series, the Astros fell in extras and the Phillies took the series in five games. In 1981, Ryan made his 6th All-Star team, firing one scoreless inning of relief in the Midsummer Classic. On September 26th, with his family in attendance, Nolan threw his 5th no-hitter against the Dodgers, passing Koufax to establish a new MLB record. The player’s strike resulted in teams playing between 102 to 110 games during the regular season. The two missing months of action cut a piece out of Nolan’s best season yet. He struck out 140 and led the league with a 1.69 ERA, receiving his first ERA title. Ryan had an N.L. best 6.0 hits per 9, 0.1 home runs per 9, 16 wild pitches, and a 195 ERA+, indicating he was 95% better than league average. The Astros clinched a playoff berth, matching up with the Dodgers in the NLDS. In Game 1, Nolan allowed one run in a 9-inning complete game victory. In the decisive Game 5, Ryan threw 6 frames and allowed 3 runs – two earned, but the Astros failed to score as L.A. won the series. After the season, Nolan received MVP votes and finished 4th in N.L. Cy Young voting. *TRANSITION* In 1982, Ryan struck out 245 and led N.L. players with 109 walks, 8 hit by pitches, and 7.0 hits per 9. On April 27, 1983, Nolan struck out his 3,510th batter, breaking Walter Johnson’s career strikeout record, which had stood for 56 years. Steve Carlton made the competition intense to hold the all-time strikeout mark, but Ryan’s arm had another decade left in the tank. Nolan posted a 2.98 ERA, 183 K’s, and an MLB-best 6.1 hits per 9, receiving a 9th place finish in N.L. Cy Young voting. He followed this campaign up in 1984 with a 3.04 ERA and 197 strikeouts in 183.2 innings. On July 11, 1985, Ryan became the first to accumulate 4,000 career strikeouts, doing so against his former club, the Mets. Currently, there are four pitchers on this exclusive list. On July 16th, Nolan fired 3 scoreless innings of relief during the National League’s 6-1 win at the All-Star Game, marking his 7th appearance. A shoulder strain in September punctuated a brutal second half, but he still logged 209 strikeouts overall. In 1986, Ryan was limited to 178 innings, with 15 wild pitches being his only league leading tally. The Astros finished the year atop the N.L. West division and played the Mets in the NLCS. Nolan struggled in Game 2, allowing 5 runs in 5 innings, but rebounded in Game 5. Pitching through continuing elbow soreness and a stress fracture in his right foot, Ryan delivered a 9-inning, 12-strikeout performance. In a no-decision, he allowed two hits, one run, and one walk. The Astros fell to the Mets in extras, and subsequently lost the series in six games. After the season, it was discovered that Ryan had torn a ligament in his right elbow. Dr. Frank Jobe, the pioneer of Tommy John surgery, recommended that Nolan undergo ligament reconstruction. Missing 15-18 months was not an option for The Ryan Express, and he decided to let his elbow heal itself. In mid-December, it stopped hurting, and after 10 days of Spring Training, the soreness went away completely. *TRANSITION* In 1987, the 40-year old hurler assembled one of the most bizarre statistical seasons ever. His 8-16 record is credited to a severe lack of run support. In July, he went 0-5 with a 2.36 ERA, and the Astros scored a measly 7 runs in those 5 starts. Nolan led the league with a 2.76 ERA, 270 strikeouts, 6.5 hits per 9, 11.5 strikeouts per 9, a 3.10 strikeout to walk ratio, a 142 ERA+, and a 2.47 FIP. In a year where he garnered his second ERA title, Nolan was not an All-Star and tied for 5th place in N.L. Cy Young voting. To put this robbery into perspective, he became the first pitcher in MLB history to lead the league in ERA and strikeouts but not receive a Cy Young Award. On April 27, 1988, Ryan lost another no-hitter with one out in the 9th inning. He allowed two unearned runs and took a no decision! He finished the season with 228 strikeouts and 9.3 strikeouts per 9, both of which led the N.L. Pete Rose described the 41-year old as the top power pitcher in the league, stating that no one threw as consistently hard as Ryan. *TRANSITION* The Astros’ owner, John McMullen, was not willing to offer Nolan a reasonable contract. In December, the soon-to-be 42-year old Texas native decided to join the Rangers. Their pitching coach, Tom House, developed Nolan’s training regimen that was focused on mechanics and recovery. Ryan paired this with weight conditioning each day between starts, a program that significantly contributed to his stamina and longevity. In his 8th and final All-Star appearance, Ryan completed 2 scoreless innings, struck out 3, and was the winning pitcher in the American League’s 5-3 victory. On August 22, 1989, Nolan fanned Rickey Henderson to become the lone member of the 5,000 strikeout club. Of the 31 recorded starts on baseball reference for 1989, Ryan averaged 127 pitches per start! Blowing fastballs by hitters with his high octane heat, he led the league with 6.1 hits per 9, 11.3 strikeouts per 9, 19 wild pitches, and 301 strikeouts. This marked 6 seasons with 300 K’s or more, a feat only Randy Johnson has replicated since. Nolan received MVP votes and finished 5th in A.L. Cy Young voting. On June 11, 1990, facing the Athletics, a 43-year old Nolan Ryan became the oldest pitcher in MLB history to throw a no-hitter, the 6th of his career. He allowed two walks and struck out 14! On July 31st, Ryan earned his 300th MLB win, a group that features 24 names as of 2024. On September 8th, in the 2nd inning of a game against the Royals, Bo Jackson hit a ground ball that split Nolan’s lip open. In between innings, Ryan went down into the clubhouse, got stitches, and returned to continue pitching! Covered in blood, Nolan struck out 8 in 7 innings, allowed one earned run, and received a no decision in the Rangers’ 2-1 win. In 1990, Nolan registered 232 strikeouts, a 1.034 WHIP, 6.0 hits per 9, and 10.2 strikeouts per 9, all of which were league leading totals while being the oldest player in the game. He received MVP votes for the last time. On May 1, 1991, Ryan’s pregame warm-ups were rough due to unbearable back pain, but he somehow locked in against the Blue Jays to unleash a masterful performance. By tossing the 7th no-hitter of his career, he set the current oldest age for a no-no at 44 years old! He walked two and sealed the no-hitter by striking out Roberto Alomar for his 16th K of the night. Nolan led the majors with a 1.006 WHIP, 5.3 hits per 9, and 10.6 strikeouts per 9. He tallied a 2.91 ERA, 203 strikeouts, and a 140 ERA+. He set an MLB record with 15 seasons of 200 or more K’s. From 1988-1991, his age 41-44 seasons, Ryan posted a 3.28 ERA, averaging 30 starts, 209 innings, 241 strikeouts, and 10.4 strikeouts per 9. His 10.17 strikeouts per 9 and 1,437 K’s after turning 40 are both all-time records. Nolan came back down to Earth in 1992, a season where he still managed a 3.72 ERA and 157 strikeouts. On August 4, 1993, Nolan Ryan created a signature moment. 13 years earlier in 1980, Dave Winfield had charged the mound on Ryan, getting the better of him. After this moment, Nolan decided that should a similar incident happen again, he would be the aggressor. Following previous tensions between the Rangers and White Sox, Chicago players imposed a stipulation: the first batter that Nolan hit had to take action or else pay up $500. Robin Ventura was the unlucky soul who was plunked. The 46-year old Ryan put the 26-year old in a headlock and with the ole right hook did some serious damage! The benches cleared and a fight ensued. Ventura was thrown out of the game while Ryan avoided ejection. He completed 7 innings, allowed two runs – one earned, struck out five, and earned the win. During his final season, Nolan pitched through elbow pain, hoping it would get better. Sadly, on September 22, 1993, Ryan’s arm gave out, tearing the tendon in his right elbow. It would end up being the last game of his career. His final fastball was clocked at 98 miles per hour. As Nolan walked off the field, he received an enormous standing ovation, a bittersweet farewell after 27 years in the big leagues – the longest career in the modern era. *TRANSITION* Nolan Ryan amassed 81.3 WAR, 324 wins, a 3.19 ERA, 5,714 strikeouts, 222 complete games, and 61 shutouts. He was an 8-time All-Star, 1969 World Series champ, and won 2 ERA titles. Surprisingly, Ryan never took home a Cy Young award. His strikeout total currently stands 839 more than the next closest pitcher, Randy Johnson. If a pitcher today struck out exactly 300 hitters for 19 consecutive seasons, they would still be 14 K’s short of the record. Amazingly, Nolan struck out 7-father son duos, with the most notable being Bobby and Barry Bonds, along with Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. Currently, Ryan holds 51 MLB records, including all-time career marks in strikeouts, walks, hits per 9, batting average against, and no-hitters. He is tied with Bob Feller for the most one-hitters, tied with Walter Johnson for the most two-hitters, and leads in three-hitters. *TRANSITION* In 1996, Nolan became the only player other than Jackie Robinson to have their number retired by three teams. Ryan’s number 30 by the Angels and his number 34 by both the Astros and Rangers. In 1999, Nolan was enshrined in the baseball Hall of Fame, receiving 98.8% of the votes on his first ballot. In 2010, Ryan threw a ceremonial first pitch for the Rangers 85 miles per hour at 63 years old! Since retirement, he has remained active in various positions within MLB, most recently in a front office role with the Astros that he occupied through the 2019 season. Nolan’s philanthropic efforts took shape with the creation of the Nolan Ryan Foundation. The charity, established in 1990, has provided resources for youth education and community development. Over the last decade, the Nolan Ryan Foundation has provided $4.2 million in scholarships, donations, and community grants. If you’d like to learn more, I’ll leave the link in the description of this video. *TRANSITION* If there was no footage of Nolan Ryan, the accomplishments and lore surrounding him would seem fabricated. One of the fiercest competitors in baseball history, his relentless pursuit of excellence led to a myriad of unbreakable records. With unparalleled durability and a legacy that will endure for generations to come, few players have made such an everlasting impact on the sport. Let me know in the comments down below your thoughts on the video. If you enjoyed, please leave a like and consider subscribing. Thank you all for watching, and I’ll see you guys in the next video. Later.