Baseball's Express Train with a 100 MPH Fastball
Ryan's dominance began early. With a seemingly effortless 100 MPH fastball, he struck out batters by the dozen, shattering records along the way. He holds the all-time strikeout record by a staggering margin, leaving baseball legends like Walter Johnson and Sandy Koufax in his dust. He even threw seven no-hitters, feats of sustained focus and pure velocity that etched his name into baseball lore.
Nolan Ryan's career boasts a smorgasbord of accomplishments that solidify his place among baseball's all-time greats. Here are some key highlights:
Strikeout King:
-Holds the all-time record for strikeouts (5,714), nearly 840 more than runner-up Randy Johnson.
-Had 7 seasons with 300+ strikeouts, tied for the most with Randy Johnson.
Holds the single-season record for strikeouts in the modern era (383 in 1973).
No-Hit Hero:
-Threw a record 7 no-hitters, including a record 6 during his Texas Rangers tenure.
-His final no-hitter at age 46 remains the oldest player to achieve the feat.
-Played for a record 27 seasons, appearing in Major League games in four different decades.
Won 324 games, placing him 52nd on the all-time list.
-Pitched 5,386 innings, ranking 5th all-time.
Other notable achievements:
-Won 2 MVP awards (1981 Astros, 1987 Rangers)
Led the league in hits allowed 12 times, a dubious but impressive record
-Had 6 seasons with 200+ strikeouts, tied for 5th most all-time
-Threw 222 complete games, 7th most all-time
But Ryan was more than just a flamethrower. He was a master technician, developing a devastating cutter and learning to harness his raw power with age. He became a student of the game, adapting his approach and outsmarting hitters even as his fastball lost a few ticks. This dedication resulted in longevity unseen in modern pitching, making him the only player to appear in Major League Baseball games in four different decades.
Nolan Ryan's legacy isn't just about a record-breaking fastball; it's about a career built on passion, intelligence, and an unending love for the game. He pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the mound, proving that raw talent and relentless dedication could carve a path to baseball immortality. His story is a timeless reminder that sometimes, the best things in life come wrapped in a 100 MPH fastball.
Red Schoendienst a Baseball HOF Phenom
Playing Prowess:
Schoendienst's hardball journey began with the St. Louis Browns in 1944, but he truly flourished with the Cardinals. A switch-hitting second baseman known for his smooth fielding and timely hitting, he earned All-Star selections in both leagues and helped the Cardinals capture the 1946 World Series championship. His versatility extended beyond positions, playing every defensive spot except pitcher and catcher throughout his career.
Managerial Mastermind:
After retiring in 1963, Schoendienst's impact continued from the dugout. He led the Cardinals to two World Series titles (1967, 1982) and five division championships, becoming the franchise's winningest manager with 1,095 victories. His calm demeanor, strategic mind, and ability to connect with players earned him respect and admiration throughout baseball.
Enduring Legacy:
Red Schoendienst was a baseball legend for the St. Louis Cardinals, known for his longevity, versatility, and loyalty to the game. His career spanned from his playing days to his managerial triumphs, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise and the sport.
Schoendienst's career took off with the Cardinals as a switch-hitting second baseman, earning him All-Star selections in both leagues and helping his team win the 1946 World Series championship. He was also recognized for his smooth fielding and timely hitting, playing every defensive position except pitcher and catcher.
Following his retirement in 1963, Schoendienst continued to make an impact from the dugout as a manager. He led the Cardinals to two World Series titles (in 1967 and 1982) and five division championships, becoming the franchise's winningest manager with 1,095 victories. His strategic mind, calm demeanor, and ability to connect with players earned him respect and admiration throughout baseball.
Schoendienst's legacy is not only defined by his titles and wins but also by his unique accomplishments. He is the only player and manager in MLB history to play on and manage World Series championship teams with two franchises (Cardinals and Milwaukee Braves). He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989, a fitting tribute to his remarkable career. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1989, a fitting tribute to his impressive career.
This Day In Baseball May 14
May 14, 1913 - At Sportsman’s Park, Walter Johnson tops Jack Coombs’ record of 53 consecutive scoreless innings when he stretches the mark to 56 innings. But after the Washington Senators back him with six runs, Johnson gives up a run in the 4th inning against the St. Louis Browns to end his streak of 56 scoreless innings. Ahead 9 – 1, Johnson is relieved by Joe Boehling and Washington wins, 10 – 5.
May 14, 1933 - Hack Wilson crushes a 9th-inning pinch-hit grand slam. It is the first in Brooklyn Dodgers history.
There is more too with stories about Charles Comiskey, Christy Matthewson, Baker Bowl Grandstand Collapse, Bob Feller, Jimmie Foxx, Dizzy Dean, Dave Kingman, and more are discussed in this edition.
May 25th - 1980s baseball
J. Daiel in his 80sbaseball.com entry for May 25 provides the history of:
1980 - Padres win on Barry Evans 2-out 9th inning Grand Slam
1981 - Yaz reaches a milestone
May 6 in 1980s Baseball
April 27th in 1980s Baseball
J. Daniel sends us back into the '80s and some nostalgic MLB events and people as he cleverly reminds us of April 27 in the 1980s including posts about the following: Greg Kosc, Brian Giles, Jim Eppard, Willie Upshaw, J.R. Richard, Bill Caudill, and more. MLB April 27
May 17th in 1980s Baseball
J. Daniel fires ul the way back machine to over 40 years ago and send us the news of May 16 concerning players like Porfi Altamirano, Pascual Perez, Greg Mathews, Tom Newell, Rob Nelson, Randy Bass, Orestes Destrade, Reggie Ritter, Rocky Childress, Tom Dozier, and more.
May 8th in 1980s Baseball
Daniel offers birthday wishes to Dennis Leonard, Steve Braun, Ricky Nelson, Orestes Destrade, and more along with celebrating big days from Mike Schmidt and Tom Paciorek. MLB May 8