Nolan Ryan

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Lore & Background

Ryan's time with the Mets was defined by raw power and a transformation guided by teammate Tom Seaver. In 1968, after missing much of the previous season due to illness, an arm injury, and Army Reserve service, Ryan returned but struggled to crack the starting rotation. He found success as a reliever and spot starter, notably saving Game 3 of the 1969 NLCS against the Atlanta Braves with 2+1⁄3 shutout innings. His performance in that series helped secure a 2–1 lead for the Mets, who went on to win the World Series in five games. Ryan also tied a Mets record by striking out 15 batters in one game on April 18, 1970, a feat Seaver would surpass four days later with 19 strikeouts against the San Diego Padres. Despite frequent blisters on his throwing hand, which he treated with remedies like pickle brine, Ryan maintained incredible velocity throughout his tenure.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere at Shea Stadium in 1969 was electric as the Mets chased their first World Series title. Nolan Ryan, then just 22, played a pivotal role off the mound. Against the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 of the World Series, he entered the game to save the day, pitching 2+1⁄3 innings without allowing a run. His fastball, often clocked above 100 miles per hour, intimidated batters and set the tone for the Mets' eventual victory. Ryan's journey with the team was not without struggle; his ERA in the second half of the 1971 season skyrocketed to 7.74 after a strong first-half showing of 2.24, marking the steepest second-half increase in MLB history at that time. Yet, his resilience and power were undeniable. As he credited Seaver for turning him from a mere flamethrower into a complete pitcher, Ryan's growth during these years laid the foundation for his future dominance with other teams.

Reader's Guide

Nolan Ryan's early career with the Mets (1966–1971) offers a masterclass in raw potential and development. Drafted as a high school senior from Alvin High School, where he struck out 21 batters in a single game—a record that stood for 44 years—Ryan brought exceptional arm strength to the majors immediately. He pitched his first no-hitter in the minors before making his mark with the Mets, though he never threw one in New York. His time there was characterized by high strikeout totals and occasional wildness, resulting in a lifetime batting average against of .204, which would later become a major league record. Ryan's ability to throw devastating 12–6 curveballs at exceptional velocity made him a unique force, even if his win-loss record with the Mets was 29–38. Fans witnessed his evolution from a raw prospect to a key contributor in a championship team, setting the stage for his historic career that would span four decades.

Did You Know?

• Red Murff, a Mets scout, told the team that Ryan had 'the best arm I've seen in my life' after watching him pitch in high school.
• Ryan's father encouraged him to play baseball because he thought it was a better use of his son's arm than throwing random objects at targets.
• In 1970, Ryan tied a Mets record with 15 strikeouts in one game, but teammate Tom Seaver broke that record four days later with 19 strikeouts.
• Ryan tried dipping his fingers in pickle brine to treat the frequent blisters on his throwing hand during his time with the Mets.
• Despite never winning a Cy Young Award or pitching a perfect game, Ryan is one of only six pitchers inducted into the Hall of Fame who had more strikeouts than innings pitched.

Rise Through the Ranks

Nolan Ryan's rise began in Refugio and Woodsboro, Texas, before moving to Alvin at six weeks old. As a young boy, he enjoyed throwing objects at targets, a habit his father encouraged by steering him toward baseball. He joined the Alvin Little League at age nine, making all-star teams at 11 and 12, and pitching his first no-hitter shortly after. In junior high, Ryan could throw a softball over 100 yards. After quitting football in ninth grade due to an injury involving Norm Bulaich, he focused entirely on baseball under Coach Jim Watson at Alvin High School. There, he struck out 21 batters in a seven-inning game, a record that stood until 2009. In his senior year of 1965, Ryan went 19–3 with 211 strikeouts and 61 walks, leading his team to the Texas state finals. It was at a game against Clear Creek High School that New York Mets scout Red Murff first noticed him, reporting that opponents refused to bat against Ryan and that his pitches sometimes broke catchers' hands.

Dominant Major League Debut

Ryan made his major league debut in 1966 with the New York Mets as the second-youngest player in the league. In just two games, he recorded his first strikeout against Pat Jarvis and gave up his first home run to Joe Torre. After missing most of the 1967 season due to illness, injury, and Army Reserve duty, Ryan returned in 1968 but remained a reliever behind Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman. His breakthrough came in 1969 when he saved Game 3 of the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles, helping the Mets secure their first championship. In 1970, he tied a Mets record with 15 strikeouts in a single game against the Atlanta Braves. Although his performance declined sharply in the second half of 1971, his early years showcased the velocity and resilience that would define his career.

International Stage Challenges

It only covers his professional career in Major League Baseball with the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers, as well as his minor league experiences.

Personal Faith and Background

It notes that he was the youngest of six children and lived in Refugio and Woodsboro, Texas, before moving to Alvin. His father operated a newspaper delivery service for the Houston Post, requiring him to rise early to prepare 1,500 newspapers for delivery over a 55-mile route. The children were expected to help with these daily tasks.