Ryan's early years with the Mets were marked by flashes of brilliance, but also struggles with control. Despite these challenges, he was part of the 1969 "Miracle Mets" team that won the World Series, although his role was primarily as a relief pitcher. In December 1971, Ryan was traded to the California Angels, a move that would prove transformative for his career.
With the Angels, Ryan's potential began to fully materialize. He quickly became known for his overpowering fastball, which consistently clocked over 100 mph, and his devastating curveball. In 1973, he set a new MLB record by striking out 383 batters in a single season, surpassing Sandy Koufax's previous record of 382. That same year, he pitched two no-hitters, further cementing his reputation as a dominant force on the mound.
Ryan's tenure with the Angels lasted until 1979, during which he threw four no-hitters and led the league in strikeouts seven times. Despite his individual success, the Angels struggled to achieve postseason success, and Ryan became a free agent after the 1979 season. He signed with the Houston Astros, returning to his home state of Texas.
During his time with the Astros, Ryan continued to excel. In 1981, he led the National League in ERA and pitched his fifth career no-hitter in 1981 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 1983, he surpassed Walter Johnson's career strikeout record of 3,508, a milestone that further solidified his place in baseball history. Ryan's presence helped the Astros reach the playoffs in 1980 and 1981, though they fell short of a World Series appearance.
In 1989, at the age of 42, Ryan signed with the Texas Rangers. Many expected his career to wind down, but Ryan defied expectations. He pitched his sixth no-hitter in 1990 against the Oakland Athletics and followed it with a seventh no-hitter in 1991 against the Toronto Blue Jays, setting a record that still stands. Ryan also recorded his 5,000th career strikeout in 1989, a feat no other pitcher has achieved.
Ryan's career spanned 27 seasons, during which he played in 807 games, won 324 games, and struck out 5,714 batters, the most in MLB history. Despite his remarkable achievements, Ryan never won a Cy Young Award, a testament to the era's competitive pitching landscape. He retired after the 1993 season, leaving behind a legacy defined by his longevity, durability, and unmatched ability to overpower hitters.
In 1999, Ryan was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, receiving 98.79% of the vote, one of the highest percentages in history. His number was retired by the Angels, Astros, and Rangers, a rare honor that reflects his impact on each franchise. Beyond his playing career, Ryan remained involved in baseball, serving in various executive roles, including as president of the Texas Rangers.
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