For your Reading Pleasure: Stats of an Iron Man, other than Satchel Paige: I imagine I will get shit for posting this, as their are a fair share of Ryan Nay-Sayers: bring it- Nolan Ryan had 5,714 career strikeouts (Top 1,000), more than any other pitcher in history (839 more than #2 all-time, Randy Johnson). Nolan Ryan and Sandy Koufax are the only two pitchers inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame who had more strikeouts than innings pitched. Nolan Ryan is the only Major League Baseball player to have his number retired by at least three different teams: the Angels, Astros, and Rangers (not counting Jackie Robinson whose number was retired by Major League Baseball for every team). Nolan Ryan is the all-time leader in no-hitters with seven, three more than any other pitcher. He is tied with Bob Feller for most one-hitters, with twelve. Ryan also pitched eighteen two-hitters. Nolan Ryan was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999, in his first year of eligibility with 98.8% of the vote (491 out of 497 possible), six votes short of a unanimous election and the second highest percentage in history, behind Tom Seaver. Nolan Ryan held several additional less commonly quoted records upon his retirement including Most Seasons Pitched with a Win (26), Most Bases on Balls in a Career (2,795), Grand slams Allowed in a Career (10), Most Wild Pitches in a Career (277), Fewest Hits Allowed Per 9 Innings in a Season (5.26 in 1972), and Fewest Hits Per 9 Innings in a Career (6.56 / 1,500IP Minimum). Nolan Ryan was forty-years years young - the oldest player in the game at the time - on May 1, 1991, when he threw no-hitter number seven, a year he also allowed the fewest hits per 9-innings pitched (5.306) in the American League, a year he also had the most strikeouts per 9-innings pitched (10.561) in the American League, and a year his fielding percentage was a league leading 1.000. A 300 Wins Club / 3,000 Strikeouts Club member who cannot be discussed without mentioning the truly Magnificent Seven "Ryan Express" no-hitters: http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=ryanno01 Ryan Retired after his 46th year...I doubt we will ever see another SP, who can pitch 332 Innings, or strike-out 383 batters, let alone see anyone pitch 220 innings of pitching, or garner over 250 batters, year after year, ever again....Although I would love to see it happen again, in my time...I doubt it tho' For example: Clayton Kershaw's top net is 240 strike outs in 233.1 IP.
A guy I used to know always said Ryan could throw a ball through a car was and it wouldn't get wet. Dude was a true freak of nature.
amazing, ryan was a true pro, all these pitch counting babysitters today must really grind his gears randy johnson averaged 354 Ks from 99-2002, and had the best shot at ryans record in 2001 when he was sitting on 372 Ks, and skipped his final start of the season (game 162) to rest up for the playoffs...and you all know how that turned out
Nolan was indeed a freak of nature...I cannot think of one Fireball Fastball Predominant Pitcher-who ever pitched as strong, still throwing as hard, as Nolan continued to do.! Even RJ, dropped alot of mph/speed off of his fastball, and slider. RJ, just wasn't the same Pitcher once he came to NY, or back to AZ, his 2nd go round. I don't ever expect I will see another freak of nature, who dominated with his fastball, like the Ryan Express. (I don't expect my grandkids to see such a feat either, in their time.
One if not the last great Complete Game hurler of our time. When one looks at Nolan's one hitters, and his double digit 2 hitters, it leaves one wondering, what might of been, a HOF pitcher, who may of thrown a dozen no hitters.
Okay Rob you asked for it. And I'm not trying to minimize Ryan's achievements.................... #1 Ryan pitched 5 more years than Johnson. #2 Johnson will become the 3rd when he enters the hall Ryan had almost twice as many career BBs as Randy Johnson. Ryan had 0 CYAs Johnson had 5 (and finished 2nd 4 other times) Ryan had 6 300 strikeout seasons in 27 years, Johnson had 6 in 22 years. Ryan led the league in BB 8 times. Johnson 3 times Ryan's career whip was 1.247. Johnson's was 1.171 Ryan had 6 seasons with 15 or more loses. Johnson had none. Again not down playing the greatness of Ryan but I will be completely shocked if Johnson is not voted in on his first ballot next season.
Yep, Yep, and Yeppers....Nolan did have some control problems no doubt. Johnson was also a freak of nature. His towering frame and 100 mph fastball and slider intimidated batters, as much as Koufax did. No doubt, overall statistically, RJ is as great as it gets. I too will be stunned if RJ is not voted in on the very first ballot, I'll say by 95% vote.... Rick, what percentage of votes, do you think RJ will get??? I know that's a loaded question, as some voters have no clue in hell. The Hall voters, need to have transparency, which they don't. Altho' MLB TV noted 3 voters, did not vote for Maddux, yet did vote for Beneitez...WTF???? Some of those idiots don't deserve their voter privileges. Overall, what amazes me most about Nolan, was NO Fastball per-dominate pitcher hurls fastballs for 27 years, and remains effective, throwing his 7th no hitter, in his final 27th year. 27th year, is unbelievable for any ball player, let alone a Fastball King.
