#1 - Nolan Ryan

Starting in 1963, Topps began their sets with cards highlighting players with league-leading stats, special moments, or record-breaking feats the previous season. In the 1990 set, that changed slightly as a fireballing power pitcher from Alvin, Texas named Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. was symbolically placed as Card #1. The practice continued in this set and the 1992 set, as Ryan continued his age-defying pitching prowess.

The pose on this card is interesting, as it captures Nolan just at the end of his delivery. Dig up clips of Ryan pitching and you'll see exactly how he was able to generate so much power; after the windup, he brought his right knee up near his face and planted that foot to power fastballs and curves to the plate.

Career Stats

'91: 27 GS, 12-6,  173 IP, 102 H, 58 R, 56 ER, 72 BB, 203 K, 2 CG, 2 SHO, 2.91 ERA, 140 ERA+

AL Leader in: WHIP (1.006), H/9 (5.3), K/9 (10.6)

Ryan added another accomplishment to his star-studded career on May 1st, when he blanked the Toronto Blue Jays 3-0 for his seventh career no-hitter.  He walked two and struck out 16, adding to his record of being the oldest pitcher to throw a complete-game no-hitter (44 years, 90 days).  He led the Rangers in strikeouts and ERA and was second in wins. 

The Rangers briefly tied for first place in the AL West with the Twins on July 7th, with Ryan tossing 8 1/3 shutout innings against the Angels, winning 7-0.  However, Texas lost 8 of 9 games after that and never recovered.

After '91: Ryan retired after pitching two more seasons with the Rangers, finishing with 324 wins and 5,714 career strikeouts, and was deservedly elected to the Hall of Fame in 1999 with a record-tying 98.8% of the ballot.

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Ryan was absolutely one of my favorite pitchers when I first started following the game.  Even though I didn't see him pitch much, being in Georgia, I immediately felt a connection with him as a brief native Texan that I am.  It was easy for me, and everyone, to see his greatness.

Looking back at his career now, it's pretty fascinating how he could have such negatives on his record as the most walks (2,795), and be credited with 292 losses and still be so revered.  To put the losses in perspective: only Cy Young and Pud Galvin have 300 losses in their careers and Ryan almost equaled it in the modern area.  The closest contemporary to him is Phil Niekro, and he had 274 losses.

Nolan Ryan was truly unique, a pitcher that baseball may never see again.