Monday, January 30, 2012

Today in Sports History: The Ryan Express

1947:  Born Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr., better know as Nolan, the youngest of six kids in Refugio, Texas. 

Originally drafted by the New York Mets in the 12th round of the 1965 draft, Ryan played for four diffrent teams in his 27 year career:  Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers, the team he is now part owner of.

He is the all time leader in strikeouts with 5,714, and he has a record 7 no-hitters.  In addition, Ryan has 12 one-hitters (tied for most with Bob Feller) and 18 two-hitters. 

He debuted September 11, 1966, and his last appearance was September 22, 1993.  His jersey is retired by three different teams:  California, Houston, and Texas.  He is the only player to have that honor. 

He was elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1999 with 98.79% of the vote.  What idiot did not vote for him?


No comments: