Famously known as “the Ryan Express,” Nolan Ryan is widely considered among the best baseball players of all time, and it’s easy to see why. With numerous records set during his time in the sport, here are some of the most memorable moments of the Hall of Famer’s successful career.
The Debut (1966)
Nolan Ryan made his MLB debut on September 11, 1966, with the New York Mets at just 19 years old. The young pitcher showed glimpses of his extraordinary potential, striking out the first batter he faced. This game marked the beginning of an unforgettable journey in professional baseball.
The First No-Hitter (May 15, 1973)
In his first no-hitter, Ryan was electrifying against the Kansas City Royals. Pitching for the California Angels, Ryan struck out 12 batters while walking three in a game that showcased his raw power. While it was a colossal achievement, no one knew that he would end up being the MLB no-hitter record holder.
The Second No-Hitter (July 15, 1973)
Just two months after his first no-hitter, Ryan was at it again. This time, he silenced the Detroit Tigers’ lineup, fanning 17 batters in another masterclass. His second no-hitter in the same season was a rare feat, and that performance gave the Angels a 6-0 win.
19 Strikeouts in a Single Game (August 12, 1974)
Nolan Ryan’s 19-strikeout performance against the Boston Red Sox was one for the ages. Pitching for the California Angels, Ryan overpowered Boston’s lineup, tying the American League record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game. This feat stunned fans and experts alike as he showcased his unparalleled talent.
Signing for the Houston Astros (November 19, 1979)
When Ryan signed for the Astros in 1979, he made history by becoming the first player in the MLB to sign a seven-figure contract that saw him earn over $1 million in a year. That contract was four times more than he earned while playing for the California Angels.
The Fifth No-Hitter (September 26, 1981)
In a remarkable display of pitching dominance, Ryan threw his fifth no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers. At 34 years old, he was still at the top of his game, striking out 11 batters and showing no signs of slowing down, which made him the outright no-hitter record holder, surpassing Sandy Koufax.
Setting the Strikeout Record (April 27, 1983)
Ryan’s record-breaking performance against the Montreal Expos was iconic. He set a new Major League record by striking out his 3,509th batter, surpassing Walter Johnson’s long-standing mark. That day, Ryan demonstrated why he was the strikeout king, and he broke his records in the later years.
Joining the Rangers (1989)
Ryan signed with his hometown, Texas Rangers, in what became a pivotal moment in his career and franchise history. This move made him the first player to play for all four original expansion teams: the Mets, Angels, Houston Colt .45s/ Astros, and Washington Senators, now known as the Texas Rangers.
5,000th Strikeout (August 22, 1989)
In a Texas Rangers uniform, Ryan became the first pitcher in MLB history to reach 5,000 strikeouts. Facing future Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson of the Oakland Athletics, Ryan’s 5,000th strikeout was the pinnacle of his career-long dominance. Even in defeat, his remarkable milestone stood above all.
300th Career Win (July 31, 1990)
Pitching for the Texas Rangers, Ryan notched his 300th career victory against the Milwaukee Brewers. In the 11-3 win, Ryan became the 20th pitcher in history to win 300 games in the MLB, striking out eight batters in the game.
The Seventh No-Hitter (May 1, 1991)
At 44 years old, Nolan Ryan threw his record seventh no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays. With 16 strikeouts, Ryan’s performance was nothing short of legendary. On that day, he became the oldest player to have a no-hitter, and his record of 7 no-hitters still stands.
Final Strikeout (September 17, 1993)
Nolan Ryan’s final career strikeout came against the California Angels, the team with which he made his name. Though his career would end just days later due to injury, that final strikeout against Greg Myers was a fitting close to a remarkable career that solidified Ryan’s place as baseball’s ultimate strikeout king.
The Last Game (September 22, 1993)
Nolan played his final game on September 22, 1993, for the Texas Rangers at the age of 46 against the Seattle Mariners. Despite his age, he continued to impress fans and critics alike with his fierce competitive spirit and pitching skills. His retirement marked the end of an extraordinary era in baseball.
Hall of Fame Induction (1999)
After spending 27 seasons playing the sport, Nolan Ryan was admitted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on his first ballot appearance, receiving an impressive 98.79% of votes cast. This honor was a befitting accolade reflecting his accomplishments and profound impact on baseball history.
Nolan Ryan’s Finest Moments of His Career