Lynn Nolan Ryan "The Express"
The best strikeout pitcher who ever played
baseball. With a career that spanned
27 years, The Express became known for his blazing fastball (known to be 104 miles per hour at times) and incredible endurance. As a young pitcher, Nolan Ryan seemed to be doomed for mediocrity, but in latter half of his career, his
amazing strikeout capability and capacity to throw no-hitters ensured his place in the Hall of Fame. As a win'
s pitcher, Nolan Ryan is one of the few members of the
300-wins
club, and nearly had as many wins as losses (324-292), however, his 5,714 strikeouts is a record considered by many baseball fans, as untouchable.
Nolan Ryan also achieved fame in his fighting ability when the mound was charged by a batter, as is evident in a famous fight against
Robin Ventura, who was
26 years old when he charged a 46 year old Ryan after being nailed with a fastball. Ryan put him in a headlock and punched him repeatedly.