Nolan Ryan, widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history, had a remarkable 27-year career playing for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers.
Known for consistently throwing pitches exceeding 100 miles per hour, Ryan also possessed a devastating 12–6 curveball thrown at exceptional velocity.
With a lifetime win–loss record of (.526), he was an eight-time All-Star and set a record with 5,714 career strikeouts, surpassing the runner-up by 839.
His 2,795 bases on balls also led the second-place pitcher by 962, making him the pitcher with the highest number of walks in MLB history.
Ryan’s lifetime batting average of .204 is a major league record.
He, along with Pedro Martínez, Randy Johnson, Trevor Hoffman, and Sandy Koufax, is one of the only five pitchers inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame with more strikeouts than innings pitched.
Ryan is among the three players in history to have his number retired by at least three teams, alongside Jackie Robinson and Frank Robinson.
Early life
Nolan Ryan, born on January 31, 1947, in Refugio, Texas, was the youngest of six children.
His father, Lynn Nolan Ryan Sr., ran a newspaper delivery service.
The family later moved to Alvin, Texas, where Nolan developed a passion for baseball.
At nine, he joined Alvin Little League Baseball, excelling as a pitcher and all-star player.
Nolan’s talent caught the eye of the New York Mets scout Red Murff during a high school game.
Murff described Ryan as having “the best arm I’ve seen in my life,” leading to his draft by the Mets.
Playing for Alvin High School, Ryan achieved notable feats, including a long-standing single-game strikeout record.
In his senior year in 1965, he led the Alvin Yellow Jackets to the Texas high school state finals with a 19–3 record.
Professional Career
Draft and minor leagues
In 1965, fresh out of Alvin, Ryan joined the New York Mets as a 12th-round pick.
After a stint with the Marion Mets, he ended the season with a 6–9 record, a 4.33 ERA, and 150 strikeouts.
The following year, he excelled with the Class A Greenville Mets, achieving a notable 17–2 record and 272 strikeouts. His performance earned him a late-season call-up to the New York Mets.
In 1967, Ryan showcased his versatility, pitching for different teams and accumulating 54 strikeouts in 34 innings, laying the groundwork for his successful future in the major leagues.
New York Mets (1966, 1968–1971)
In 1966, Ryan joined the New York Mets as the league’s second-youngest player.
Facing setbacks in 1967, including illness and military service, he returned in 1968, becoming a reliever due to strong pitching competition.
Notable moments include pivotal contributions in the 1969 postseason, helping the Mets win the World Series.
Ryan tied a Mets strikeout record in 1970 but saw a sharp decline in 1971.
Despite initial resentment, his trade from the Mets led to a managerial role with the Rangers.
Over five Mets seasons, Ryan had a 29–38 record with a 3.58 ERA in 511 innings.
California Angels (1972–1979)
Nolan Ryan’s number 30 was retired by the California Angels in 1992.
Traded to the Angels in 1971, Ryan excelled as a pitcher, leading the league in strikeouts and achieving notable records.
His impressive highlights include three no-hitters in 1973 and 1974.
Despite the Angels’ sub-.500 status during his tenure, Ryan’s dominance on the mound earned him considerable attention.
In his eight seasons with the Angels, Ryan had a 138–121 record, a 3.07 ERA, and 2,416 strikeouts.
MLB Records
Ryan’s unparalleled dominance in baseball is encapsulated by his 51 MLB records, featuring achievements like 5,714 career strikeouts, seven no-hitters, and the lowest career batting average allowed at .204.
Noteworthy accomplishments include 12 career 1-hitters, 18 career 2-hitters, and an exceptional 26 seasons with at least one win.
In his standout 1974 season, he achieved three games with 19 or more strikeouts, three with 18 or more, and three with 17 or more.
Ryan’s consistency is underscored by records such as 26 seasons with 200 or more strikeouts, six seasons with 300 or more strikeouts, and an impressive 752 games with 2 or more strikeouts.
His career statistics include a record-low 6.55 hits per nine innings pitched, surpassing Sandy Koufax, and 5.26 single-season hits per nine innings in 1972.
Ryan’s enduring success is highlighted by his longevity, securing wins in 26 seasons.
Legacy
The Nolan Ryan Exhibit Center in Alvin, Texas showcases rings awarded to Nolan Ryan, celebrating his All-Star appearances and role in the 1969 Mets World Championship.
With a 27-season MLB career, Ryan holds records in strikeouts, no-hitters, and innings pitched.
Despite impressive positives, he also ranks in certain “negative” categories.
Notably, his number is retired by three teams.
Elected to the Hall of Fame in 1999, Ryan’s impact extends to charitable work through the Nolan Ryan Foundation.
His legacy is further honored on the Texas Trail of Fame and in the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
Additionally, the Texas State Legislature named State Highway 288 the Nolan Ryan Expressway in 1995.
Personal life
On June 25, 1967, Nolan Ryan married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Holdorff.
Both attended Alvin High School, where Ruth was a state tennis champion.
They have three children: Reid, Reese, and Wendy.
Reid and Reese played as pitchers for the TCU Horned Frogs, and Reid later became the president of the Houston Astros on May 17, 2013.
During off-seasons, Nolan Ryan often pitched, with Ruth acting as his catcher.
Ruth also coached their sons’ little league teams during some summers.
Currently, the couple resides in the Cimarron Hills community in Georgetown, Texas.
Nolan Ryan currently resides in the Cimarron Hills community in Georgetown, Texas.
Political activity
In his 1992 autobiography, Nolan Ryan revealed voting for Jimmy Carter in 1976 but generally identified as a Republican.
He emphasized independent candidate assessment and criticized a divisive election.
Ryan crossed party lines in 2002, supporting a Democrat for Lieutenant Governor.
Despite a long friendship with the Bush family, he critiqued George H.W. Bush in 1992.
In 1996, Ryan campaigned for Ron Paul.
In 2011, he chaired Todd Staples’ exploratory committee for lieutenant governor, endorsing him as the top prospect for the Texas Republican Party in 2014, though Staples lost to Dan Patrick.
Nolan Ryan Net Worth
Nolan Ryan has accumulated an estimated net worth of around $80 million, sourced from his earnings in Major League Baseball, various business endeavors, and income from ranching.
Conclusion
Nolan Ryan, an MLB legend, boasts a stellar career with records, a 1969 World Series win, and induction into the Hall of Fame in 1999.
His impressive stats include a 324-292 win-loss record, 5,714 strikeouts, and 2,795 bases on balls.
Post-retirement, he held key roles with the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros.
Ryan’s net worth, around $80 million, is derived from MLB earnings, business ventures, and ranching.
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