Nolan Ryan had a record 27-year career, during which he pitched for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers.
He hit 100 mph consistently on the mound and maintained his velocity even as he entered the later years of his career. He also recorded 5,714 career strikeouts, which stands as the MLB record by 839 strikeouts over Randy Johnson in second place.
Ryan had seven no-hitters. He is one of only three players whose number was retired by at least three teams – the Angels, Astros, and Rangers. He never won a Cy Young Award or pitched a complete game.
In 1999, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.