2014 Silver One Dollar PCGS MS70 Baseball Hall of Fame Nolan Ryan HAND SIGNED
Nolan Ryan, a legendary figure in baseball, left an
indelible mark on the National Pastime. His career spanned a remarkable 27
seasons, tying a record for longevity. When
he retired, he had achieved 324 wins, along with all-time records
for no-hitters (seven) and strikeouts (5,714)1.
Ryan’s
fabled fastball consistently clocked above 100 miles per hour
throughout his pitching career, making him one of the greatest MLB pitchers of
all time2. His
impact extended beyond the numbers, as two-time National League MVP Dale Murphy
famously said, “Nolan Ryan is the only pitcher you start thinking about two
days before you face him.”
Let’s delve into some key moments
from Nolan Ryan’s illustrious career:
1.
Early Years and Mets: Ryan began his career with the Mets organization in the
mid-1960s. He played a crucial role in helping the New York Mets win the 1969
World Series. However, it was his trade to the California Angels after the 1971
season that truly set the stage for his record-breaking achievements.
2.
Record-Breaking Seasons: From 1972 to 1977, Ryan averaged 19 wins and 322
strikeouts per year, despite an injury-shortened 1975 season. In 1979, he won
16 games, helping the Angels secure their first American League West title. His
move to the Houston Astros in 1980 marked a turning point, where he became the
first million-dollar-a-year player in MLB history.
3.
1980s Milestones: The 1980s were a decade of milestones for Ryan. He surpassed
Walter Johnson’s all-time strikeout mark, broke Sandy Koufax’s major league
record for no-hitters (achieving his fifth in 1981), and guided the Astros to
their first three postseason appearances.
4.
Astros and Rangers: Ryan signed with the Texas Rangers as a free agent after the
1988 season. Even in his 40s, he maintained his power fastball, striking out
301 batters in 1989. His sixth no-hitter came in 1990, and he followed it up
with his seventh at the age of 44. His legacy extended beyond the field, as he now serves as an
executive advisor for the Astros3.
Nolan
Ryan’s remarkable career, marked by speed, endurance, and sheer dominance,
earned him a well-deserved spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame
in 199914.
Facing his 100 mph fastball was like a double-edged sword, as Reggie Jackson
aptly put it: “I love to bat against Nolan Ryan, and I hate to bat against
Nolan Ryan. It’s like ice cream. You may love it (facing a fastball), but you
don’t want it shoveled down your throat by the gallon.” 🍦⚾
Cert Verification #30357338
According to the PCGS Certification Database, the requested certification number is defined as the following: