No one will ever throw 7 no-hitters and no-one will ever strike out 5,700 hitters. His legend will only grow with every generation, just like Henderson’s.
@@michaelwolf6424Right? 8, 9, 10 potential no hitters. I remember when Nelson Liriano broke up his no-no in the bottom of 9 with 2 out at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. Ryan yelled at him all the way to second (I think he hit a double). What a competitor. No one will ever touch his records (all time K’s, K’s in a season, no hitters).
@@jasondousett3620 I grew up in a small rural SW Virginia town in the '60s (Yes, I'm that old). In 1966 that little town became a rookie low A New York Mets farm team. Not long, a tall lanky kid from Alvin, Texas showed up to begin his professional career. It was Nolan Ryan. I saw him throw his very first professional pitch. Probably close to 100 mph. No one used "guns: in those days. He was wild as hell. NO one wanted to dig in when he was on the mound. I think he was 3-6 in that initial year. Three years later he was in the NY Mets roster and in the World Series against the Orioles. The Miracle Mets won it all. . Over a decade later, I was a young filmmaker living in Atlanta after college. The Braves sucked back then. Getting a press pass was easy and I took my 16mm film camera to the old Fulton County stadium to shoot Ryan when the Astros came to the city for a series. Later, in the locker room, I approached him after all the beat reporters left and told him "that I had seen him pitch in his first game in Va." I offered him the footage. In his book years later, he stated that he hated that little podunk town. I did too. He was so polite and humble. He was my pitching idol. A legend to be revered. Anyone whoever saw this man play will never forget the experience. I know you won't.
@@jasondousett3620 And I remember ragging nonstop on Henderson at CNE Stadium when he played LF for the Yankees. We were unmerciful and to be fair, he gave it back to us pretty good. Sadly, I never got to see Nolan Ryan play in person. 2 legitimate Hall of Famers right there.
@@michaelwolf6424 I am not sure what the number is, but I know for a fact he also has the most one-hitters in the history of the game. And I think he also has the most two-hitter games. But, the most impressive fact about Nolan Ryan is that he NEVER EVER won a Cy Young. That baffles everyone's mind; even the mind of legendary players who can't believe he never won one.
@WheelsAlwaysTurning Mariano is the greatest reliever of all-time but post-season success has literally nothing to do with how good an individual player is. No other sport, even football is less dependent on individual players than baseball. You could have a literal god pitcher or hitter and the team would never even make the playoffs. When Ryan even sniffed the post-season he had some great games and bad ones. An elite player is only a small piece of a team. God mode Bonds had an amazing WS but still lost.
@WheelsAlwaysTurning Mariano for as great as he was, especially in the post-season is only a closer that has to pitch one inning. And he isn't even in any of those positions if the team around him wasn't as great as they were, he was only a small piece to the puzzle. The Yankees still likely win the same amount of WS without him and with another good closer, also if you are going to only talk about his "success" don't forget game 7 of the 2001 WS that he blew. Being a starting pitcher has much much more value than a closer. Felix Hernandez never came close to sniffing the playoffs but any smart GM would always take a prime Felix over Rivera. By your logic of post-season success Robert Horry is a better player than MJ, Kobe, and Shaq. I mean he won right?
@WheelsAlwaysTurning Ryan was on mediocre teams. Had Rivera been on those Angels, Astros and Rangers teams, he has no rings. And I'm sure Ryan would have fit in just fine with those Yankees teams
@WheelsAlwaysTurning Mariano Rivera 1283 IP Nolan Ryan 5386 IP…FOH with Rivera is the greatest P in history. Ryan also had 7 no hitters. You Yankee fans are so arrogant
Had Ryan played for the Yankees or the Reds in the 70's or even in the 80s, he wins between 400-500 games.. Who were his cleanup hitters with the Angels? Tony Solita? Dave Chalk? Bruce Bochte? What about in Houston? Terry Puhl? Denny Walling? Andy Ashby? Had Ryan stayed in Anaheim the Angels win the West in '81, '82, '84, '85, '86 and '89 and most likely win the WS in '82 and '86..
Two of these calls were brutal in my opinion.....the fastball for strike two was off the plate, and that hook that was called as ball 3 was a no doubt strike.....this umpire had to feel the pressure of this moment, like that scene in Naked Gun
He is a different breed, no question. This said, pitchers are creatures of habit and rhythm. He, first, didn't need or care about the glory, but also I'm sure wanted to stay in rhythm.
Ricky Henderson should be included in top ten all around offensive hitters of all time. That guy got into pitchers heads like no other, at the plate, and on the bases.
@Lighthouse in the Storm We'll start with the obvious, Cy Young, Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson, Warren Spahn, Pedro Martinez, Catfish Hunter, Tom Seaver, Steve Carlton, Sandy Koufax, Greg Maddux, Bob Gibson, Jim Palmer, Ferguson Jenkins, Randy Johnson for starts....
@ronf4351 if anyone was clean, he was. He was a workhorse. He worked cattle in the offseason on his own ranch. If you’ve never dealt with cattle, then you don’t know the strength it takes.
@@chuckfinley6747 there was no way he used PEDs. He was throwing in the hundreds out of high school. Took him a few years to get control of his power. He was the one pitcher need body really wanted to face, because, what if he beaned you in the head? You might wake up not knowing how to tie your own shoes.
@@aaronburtram3175 I agree he was clean. The baseball gods just reached down and touched his arm and made it a cannon. There will never be another pitcher like him
@@raypowers8083 Yeah, Ump gave one back. He had to, he realized he was wrong. It evened out after the foul tip to set up 3-2 and everyone in the stadium knew what was coming. Fastball.
He was always so reserved. HIstorical moment and he is on the mound like it ain't no thang. He even tells the catcher "you keep it" when offered the historic ball.
I don't think he was telling the catcher to keep it. I think he just said send it on to the dugout; he didn't need to hold it, then. That's my guess anyhow.
But its jucier than that. On May 1 1991, Ricky Henderson passes Lou Brock for the stolen base record and declares himself, "the greatest of all time." Before the hoopla was over, Nolan Ryan threw his 7th No Hitter, pushing Henderson out of the headlines. Its only fitting Henderson was the 5K victim
@@crazykev6491 It's important to remember, it was his job to get on base, and then steal bases. He had an unorthodox batting stance, minimizing his strike zone, to help facilitate that.
@@aaronburtram3175 Yeap I remember and grew up in the 80s & 90s. I loved watching Ryan pitch. It’s because of Dwight Gooden, Clemens and Ryan, that I admire pitching over hitting. It’s such an art form
It's such a fantastic feeling when you attend a special game. I was lucky enough to be at Derek Jeter's "Mr. November" game. He homered to win game 5 of the World Series at 12:02am on November 1st. The tattered flag from ground zero is waving in center field. I'll never forget it.
this man was 42-43 years old when he achieved 5000 strikeouts...... still throwing hard at that age... 95 to 97 mph...... amazing... that record will never be broken.
@@jackson5116 oh most definitely......... he was the one rare power pitcher who was able to maitain that velocity well into his 40's........i mean, he was still throwing hard when he retired...
I was at this game, Rickey Henderson is in the record books twice. 1) breaking Lew Brocks base stealing record and being Nolan Ryan's 5,000 strike out. With the state of MLB , Nolan's strike out record will never be broken.
Even if pitchers went deeper into games like they used to, this record is probably never getting broken. Nolan pitched for 27 years and he’s second all-time in career starts with 773. Only two active players (Greinke and Verlander) are even over 500 starts.
I was there! we were sitting in the left field bleachers and Ricky was playing left field. After he struck out and the A’s came back in the field, everyone was razzing Ricky and he said said you don’t understand, I’m in the record book too! Everyone there got a nice certificate .. still have mine.
I was 8 years old and living in Fort Worth when I saw this game, it was almost like watching the moon landing. Everyone at school and in town was talking about it before and after it happened. It was a great time not only for baseball but also a great time in America that we'll never be able to experience again.
The second strike was a little outside and a little high and the third ball looked like it fell in there for a strike. Strike 3 swinging is the way to go.
Great ones are timeless. Always enjoyed watching him pitch. Never be another one like him. Strike out king and seven no hitters. Both will never be past by a single pitcher.
Ryan's curveball with severely underrated by any who didn't face it. That is a traditional 12 to 6 curveball. That curveball is the hardest variation to make contact with of all the curve balls that exist. In the 1969 world series Ryan threw a curveball like that one directly at Paul Blair of the Orioles. The result was a strikeout when Blair nearly hit his knees in the dirt.
I was at this game, had decent seats too. I wasn't really a baseball fan until then, now I follow and love it! Nolan Ryan was the John Wayne of baseball
I remember watching this game I was 9 yrs old, my two favorite players of all time. The greatest base runner of all time with 1,406 stolen bases, and one of the greatest pitchers of all time in my opinion in the Ryan Express. Players like this is what made me love the game and play for 15 years of my life.
I was 11 years old at the time. I was watching this game on a television that only had three channels. This was when baseball wasn't trying to be anything but baseball.
@@grantstraub6393 *Ryan also LOST 292 games. No hitters are not a proper argument when you walk the entire ballpark. A perfect game or facing the minimum amount of men (27) in a complete game shutout would be far more impressive. Ryan never did either of those things in his career. Great pitcher, great strikeout pitcher... but not the greatest pitcher ever. His K/BB ratio was average at best.* *These are the next two pitchers on the all-time strikeout list:* *Randy Johnson: 4,875 strikeouts, 1,497 walks.* *Roger Clemens: 4,672 strikeouts, 1,580 walks.* *Those are proper great K/BB ratios. Neither of them were within 1,200 walks of Ryan. Even the next pitcher on the list, Steve Carlton, was close to Ryan's K/BB ratio, but still had a better ratio than Ryan:* *Steve Carlton: 4,136 strikeouts, 1,833 walks.* *So again, Ryan was a great pitcher, but not the greatest pitcher. Not even close.*
@@superbrownbrown while you’re throwing out stats, throw out the median batting average of players against Ryan .204. Or how about his lack of run support his entire career. He lost more games were he gave up 1-2 runs than anybody during his career. You give him a team that could actually produce just a few runs and he would be closer to 400 wins. But haters don’t want to look at those stats.
@@chuckfinley6747 *I don't hate the guy, and what you stated is not invalid (even though it's tough to play "what if")... but nothing you posted explains away 2,795 walks. It also doesn't explain away a .307 OBP against. Better than the MLB average of .322, but the debate isn't about "better than average".*
@@billyfraiser6298 You bring up a great point. Technology today keeps the umpires honest. Greg Maddox got calls that were six inches off the plate. Completely unhitable. He wouldn't get away with that today.
This is Great against Great. I checked the stats on Rickey Henderson, and the only reason that he had any reason to be the victim is that he played the game so long. Henderson was to getting on base (which matters more than stealing bases) what Ryan was to striking batters out. Henderson did not strike out much for a certifiably great hitter. Henderson struck out only 68 times that year, so in a way it is amazing that it is this combination.
I don't remember what kind of a fielder Henderson was so I won't comment on that. But as a batter, there really wasn't anything he couldn't do. Hit for average? Check. Hit for power? Check? Bunt? Check? Need a double or even a triple? Check. Need a walk? Check. And of course, need a steal? Check. He was a lot of fun to watch.
I remember back in 1977, the Blue Jays first year. My dad got two tickets for my 12th birthday and we were going to see the California Angels. We had tickets right behind home plate, eight rows up. Nolan Ryan was scheduled to pitch. We were on the streetcar almost at the stadium and there was an old guy next to us with a transistor radio. All of a sudden we hear over his radio "There has been a starting pitching change for the Angels. Nolan Ryan will not be starting today's game. Instead he will start tomorrow's game". Holy crap was my dad ticked off. I learned some new words that day.
A record unbeatable! Even though batters strike out more than ever, no pitcher throws enough innings to make a challenge. Imagine Ryan pitching today! Sick would be the only word to describe the carnage.
Nolan Ryan and Rickey Henderson. Two of the most savage competitors in baseball history. I love the grin on Rickey's face when the ump calls that early pitch -- that was just outside -- a strike. Henderson wants to say something, but doesn't. His grin just says, "For crying out loud, the mean son of a bitch doesn't need any help." Then the ump actually gives Rickey a couple of breaks on close pitches. And then the Express strikes him out swinging anyway. And swinging is exactly the way a warrior like Henderson would want it to be. The crowd explodes. Ryan doffs his cap quickly and wants to get right back to business. But . . . not so fast, pal. That was a big deal.
I'm 6'8" and 40 years old. I pitched through high school. Nolan Ryan was my HERO. Because of him I only wanted to throw GAS. I never learned a curveball or a slider. I used to spend HOURS throwing balls against the hay stacks on our farm. I started pitching in 3rd grade but my control was so "Wild Thing Ricky Vaughn" I never even got to PLAY pitcher until 8th grade. They would always put my in right field. I sucked at right field. I sucked at hitting. But after my growth spurt I was 6'6", 220lbs as a Senior and I could throw in the 90's. I never got any college or pro offers because I had bad control when I would throw hard. I would have to slow my pitches down to 70mph or so to have any decent control. What Nolan Ryan was able to do is the most incredible feat for a Pitcher's career and will never be matched.
When the catcher comes up to congratulate him, you can read Nolan's lips. "Thank you. One out". Here's a man who doesn't care about the numbers. Just needs to compete...
yeah he didn't say that. he said 'throw it out' meaning throw the ball to the dugout which is why the catcher immediately turned away to toss it into the dugout to hold onto.
I remember Ryan going against Pete Rose back in the day. The announcer said 'it's not very often when you see a man with over 4,000 strikeouts going against a man with 4,000 hits!' Rose went 1 for 3 with a hit, a strikeout, a groundout and a sacrifice fly! A perfect standoff!
Great AB by to Hall of Famer's one strike was outside but Ryan's curve that was way underrated buckled Henderson and dropped into the strike zone but fooled the ump also.
I named my son Nolan! He's one of my favorite pitchers of all time (I'm a Dodgers fan, so I have a lot to choose from) - and 7 no hitters?! Unbelievable.
Truly a legendary moment in sports. I can remember exactly where I was in that very moment. What a match up Ryan Vs. Henderson. Two baseball legends. What a humble man Nolan Ryan is. He just wanted to keep on pitching. This is one record that will never be broken.
I hadn't seen that since I watched it on TV that night when I was 16. I thought he got him on the hook at 2-2 but the ump didn't call it. Of course, the 0-1 pitch wasn't a strike, so I guess they were even at that point. Great that he got #5000 against a fellow Hall of Famer and not some scrub, though.
I got a challenge, take a shot every time Nolan Ryan fixed his hat in this video. I also loved how before every throw he would nod his head to Rickey to make sure he was ready.
As a kid in the 80's, im glad i got to watch Nolan Ryan pitch. He is one the best to ever pitch. Along with Sandy Kofax, Tom Seaver, Bob Gibson, Cy Young
I only had the opportunity to see him pitch live once, but it was all I needed. He completely shut down the team I support but I had no problem with it. I was seeing a legend in his practice and knew it.
My favorite trio was when he was in Houston. The Astros would pitch Ryan one day, Joe Niekro the next day, then J.R. Richard the third day. Two guys bringing it at 100+ mph sandwiched around a knuckleballer. Try gearing up for that in a three game series as a batter 🙂
@@mikeglenn5212He never really had any talent at the plate to knock in any runs for him to win any games. Take a look at his teammates stats all those years... not very good OBP (on base percentage) or batting averages.... Besides you're telling me seven no hitters and he's not the best of all time...get real!!!😂
@@BluBlu111 He led the league 8 times in bases on balls, that has nothing to do with his team's lack of offense. He also pitched in a pitcher's park for many years. And yes he did throw 7 no hitters and yes he did win 300 games, but it took him 27 YEARS to do it. He was good, but to say the greatest is a stretch at best.
@@mikeglenn5212 exactly 27 years as a starting pitcher... And he still threw in the mid-90s at the end of his career... But we all have our opinions that's what this is for....lol... take care Mike 👍
LOL, I like Nolan Ryan a lot. But he’s NOWHERE near the greatest of all-time. He’s about 25th in baseball history as pitchers go. And that’s an incredible accomplishment considering how many men have pitched. But he did was never the best pitcher in his league in any season, let alone the best to ever do it.
you are so right. that Texas team with him, Palmiero, Buschelle, Sierra, and so many more were definitely Pennant class! ONG HAD NO IDEA HIS 5K WAS HENDERSON!!!!
@@Gabriela-Acevedo MY person!!! You were there, I can tell! LOVED THE INC-MAN (pronounce ink-man, but you know that, obviously) Still wish Julio was swingin that wicked stance...you are a True Ranger fan, yaaaaas!!!
Yeah, Rickey knew that the ump knew it was a ball as well... but he also knew that it was going to be tough to get calls in his favor at this moment... that's why he was laughing. 🙂
@@AlexSosaBolivia I am a veteran. That flag only represents veterans who died defending it. No cop defends that flag. They only defend their masters. Why are they kneeling. Didn't Abraham Lincoln free the slaves? I guess they are still in bondage. For being so woke, they sure are asleep.
This will never be duplicated. Many can't conceive of what it takes to strike out 5,000 major league batters. It even took the great Nolan Ryan, 20 years was it?
Rickey Henderson played from 1979-2003... ages 20-44. Nolan Ryan played from 1966-1993... ages 19-46. Both amazing!
Rickey Henderson and Rod Carew named kids after Billy Martin
Good stats. I appreciate this kind of material. Youre gentleman/women and a scholar
No one will ever throw 7 no-hitters and no-one will ever strike out 5,700 hitters. His legend will only grow with every generation, just like Henderson’s.
If I'm not wrong, he also had 12 one hitters. Imagine what COULD have been with a catch here or there.
@@michaelwolf6424Right? 8, 9, 10 potential no hitters. I remember when Nelson Liriano broke up his no-no in the bottom of 9 with 2 out at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. Ryan yelled at him all the way to second (I think he hit a double). What a competitor.
No one will ever touch his records (all time K’s, K’s in a season, no hitters).
@@jasondousett3620 I grew up in a small rural SW Virginia town in the '60s (Yes, I'm that old). In 1966 that little town became a rookie low A New York Mets farm team. Not long, a tall lanky kid from Alvin, Texas showed up to begin his professional career. It was Nolan Ryan. I saw him throw his very first professional pitch. Probably close to 100 mph. No one used "guns: in those days. He was wild as hell. NO one wanted to dig in when he was on the mound. I think he was 3-6 in that initial year. Three years later he was in the NY Mets roster and in the World Series against the Orioles. The Miracle Mets won it all. .
Over a decade later, I was a young filmmaker living in Atlanta after college. The Braves sucked back then. Getting a press pass was easy and I took my 16mm film camera to the old Fulton County stadium to shoot Ryan when the Astros came to the city for a series. Later, in the locker room, I approached him after all the beat reporters left and told him "that I had seen him pitch in his first game in Va." I offered him the footage. In his book years later, he stated that he hated that little podunk town. I did too. He was so polite and humble.
He was my pitching idol. A legend to be revered. Anyone whoever saw this man play will never forget the experience. I know you won't.
@@jasondousett3620
And I remember ragging nonstop on Henderson at CNE Stadium when he played LF for the Yankees. We were unmerciful and to be fair, he gave it back to us pretty good. Sadly, I never got to see Nolan Ryan play in person. 2 legitimate Hall of Famers right there.
@@michaelwolf6424 I am not sure what the number is, but I know for a fact he also has the most one-hitters in the history of the game. And I think he also has the most two-hitter games.
But, the most impressive fact about Nolan Ryan is that he NEVER EVER won a Cy Young. That baffles everyone's mind; even the mind of legendary players who can't believe he never won one.
Rickey said," You aint nobody if Nolan Ryan hasn't struck you out", what a great matchup between two absolute legends.
Two players with records that will stand forever, unless there are fundamental changes to the way to game is played.
@@ErikHinrichsen Nolan Ryan’s strikeout record is far more reachable than his walks record. Pure power.
@@ErikHinrichsen well the only way it would get broken if MLB plays on another planet 🤷🏻♂️
@@stephenjohnson9632 It was reachable before strict pitch counts came into being. Now, I have a feeling it won't be broken.
@@Darbobski Nolan always worked fast. I think he beaned at least two players for being slow, it was coming inside fast to get your attention.
A truly unassailable record. He finished with 5,714. Noone else has ever broken 5,000. The man stands alone.
@WheelsAlwaysTurning Mariano is the greatest reliever of all-time but post-season success has literally nothing to do with how good an individual player is. No other sport, even football is less dependent on individual players than baseball. You could have a literal god pitcher or hitter and the team would never even make the playoffs. When Ryan even sniffed the post-season he had some great games and bad ones. An elite player is only a small piece of a team. God mode Bonds had an amazing WS but still lost.
@WheelsAlwaysTurning Mariano for as great as he was, especially in the post-season is only a closer that has to pitch one inning. And he isn't even in any of those positions if the team around him wasn't as great as they were, he was only a small piece to the puzzle. The Yankees still likely win the same amount of WS without him and with another good closer, also if you are going to only talk about his "success" don't forget game 7 of the 2001 WS that he blew. Being a starting pitcher has much much more value than a closer. Felix Hernandez never came close to sniffing the playoffs but any smart GM would always take a prime Felix over Rivera. By your logic of post-season success Robert Horry is a better player than MJ, Kobe, and Shaq. I mean he won right?
@WheelsAlwaysTurning Ryan was on mediocre teams. Had Rivera been on those Angels, Astros and Rangers teams, he has no rings. And I'm sure Ryan would have fit in just fine with those Yankees teams
@WheelsAlwaysTurning Mariano Rivera 1283 IP Nolan Ryan 5386 IP…FOH with Rivera is the greatest P in history. Ryan also had 7 no hitters. You Yankee fans are so arrogant
Had Ryan played for the Yankees or the Reds in the 70's or even in the 80s, he wins between 400-500 games.. Who were his cleanup hitters with the Angels? Tony Solita? Dave Chalk? Bruce Bochte?
What about in Houston? Terry Puhl? Denny Walling? Andy Ashby?
Had Ryan stayed in Anaheim the Angels win the West in '81, '82, '84, '85, '86 and '89 and most likely win the WS in '82 and '86..
Two of these calls were brutal in my opinion.....the fastball for strike two was off the plate, and that hook that was called as ball 3 was a no doubt strike.....this umpire had to feel the pressure of this moment, like that scene in Naked Gun
That breaking ball was pretty wicked
That outside strike was always given in the 80s and 90s. Maddox lived out there.
They called everything outside a strike back then. The K zone was the best invention for baseball ever.
@@franflanagan7300 Maddox lived wherever the strike zone was, it was Glavine who lived out there.
Rickey's reaction was "you got to be friggin kidding me!" but he knew the significance of the strikeout about to happen
_"Right lads, back in formation."_ -Nolan Ryan.
Hits 5000, and just wants a quick handshake, and back on with the game. A lost breed, this guy.
Has Nolan Ryan ever smiled in his life?
@@vicepresidentmikepence889 yes he has. But never during a game.
@@vicepresidentmikepence889 Yeah, for his 5th no-hitter. He was beaming when his team hoisted him up.
Him and a whole lot of men of that era. "Look at me" wasn't part of the equation the same way it is today.
He is a different breed, no question. This said, pitchers are creatures of habit and rhythm. He, first, didn't need or care about the glory, but also I'm sure wanted to stay in rhythm.
The greatest strikeout pitcher of all time fanning the greatest lead off hitter of all time for the record. Legendary.
Exactly!
@@joconnell8145
Not to mention that he holds one
record that will
NEVER be broken. 7 No-hitters!
@@ceepersandenderdragonssvlo4812 Not to mention his amount of Ks!
And he whooped Robin Ventura's ass.
Ricky Henderson should be included in top ten all around offensive hitters of all time. That guy got into pitchers heads like no other, at the plate, and on the bases.
Pure Mechanics...his knee touches his chin, his stride is the length of his body and his arm delivery is perfection
Nolan Ryan has to be one of the greatest pitchers that ever lived. And, is still living.
The g.o.a.t
@@accountofnothing2470 Greatest arm of all time in terms of speed and longevity, but not the best pitcher by any means.
@Lighthouse in the Storm We'll start with the obvious, Cy Young, Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson, Warren Spahn, Pedro Martinez, Catfish Hunter, Tom Seaver, Steve Carlton, Sandy Koufax, Greg Maddux, Bob Gibson, Jim Palmer, Ferguson Jenkins, Randy Johnson for starts....
@@georgevincent1834 Roger Clemens, Clayton Kershaw, Verlander, Scherzer...
Best pitcher of all time
One of the toughest hitters to get out beat by one of the greatest pitchers of all time! A CLASSIC matchup!
i wish there were still matchups like this 😢
It’s crazy that he reached this milestone at 42 yet still ended his career closer to 6,000 career K’s than 5,000 career K’s.
@ronf4351 if he was then they all were so it would equal out
@ronf4351 if anyone was clean, he was. He was a workhorse. He worked cattle in the offseason on his own ranch. If you’ve never dealt with cattle, then you don’t know the strength it takes.
@@chuckfinley6747 there was no way he used PEDs. He was throwing in the hundreds out of high school. Took him a few years to get control of his power. He was the one pitcher need body really wanted to face, because, what if he beaned you in the head? You might wake up not knowing how to tie your own shoes.
@@aaronburtram3175 I agree he was clean. The baseball gods just reached down and touched his arm and made it a cannon. There will never be another pitcher like him
5714 most in mlb
Nolan Ryan was truly a titan of the game. Players like that don't exist any more.
That's arguable, but I hear you.
Greatest pitcher of all time. Threw a no hitter at 43. Let's not forget about that.
@@Yyyyzyyy You're forgetting about all of the positive records that he holds also.
Taking absolutely nothing away from Ryan, but I gotta give Henderson credit for going down swinging instead of just standing there looking.
Henderson was often cocky and self-centered.....BUT, he was a good guy and simply the best leadoff hitter and base stealer in MLB history.
I actually thought he did. The pitch before looked like a strike.
Henderson has the lead off and stolen base records.
@@rjake61 Give back for the second pitch which wasn't even close.
@@raypowers8083 Yeah, Ump gave one back. He had to, he realized he was wrong. It evened out after the foul tip to set up 3-2 and everyone in the stadium knew what was coming. Fastball.
He was always so reserved. HIstorical moment and he is on the mound like it ain't no thang. He even tells the catcher "you keep it" when offered the historic ball.
I remember that night like it was yesterday.. what a great souvenir for catcher Chad Kreuter!
"you can have it" but yea awesome gesture
I don't think he was telling the catcher to keep it. I think he just said send it on to the dugout; he didn't need to hold it, then. That's my guess anyhow.
@@Kickingit06 Yeah, I think Ryan actually said "Throw it out."
On that second pitch Rickey was like ahh ok, they are just gonna give him the strikeout I see.
Rollo_Tomasi
He wasn't president at the time but he was the owner of the Texas Ranger.
WheelsAlwaysTurning
He wasn't president at the time but he was the owner of the Rangers.
Ball 3 was a strike, though, so it came out in the wash
Yea but he gave it back at 2:31
Yeah it was outside, but who knows maybe he throws strikes if that'd been called a ball
Baseball world goes nuts.
Nolan: "Thank you. One out."
Yep. The true professional. No fancy 20 minute celebration. Just give me the ball and lets get the next one
So fitting that his number 5000 was a luminary like Henderson. Nolan Ryan, though: what a legend.
Rickey was the most fun to watch, man! Baseball was so great here...miss it so!
But its jucier than that. On May 1 1991, Ricky Henderson passes Lou Brock for the stolen base record and declares himself, "the greatest of all time." Before the hoopla was over, Nolan Ryan threw his 7th No Hitter, pushing Henderson out of the headlines. Its only fitting Henderson was the 5K victim
@@charlieruns7953 badass! love this info. ty!
Ryan was always a class act. Baseball will never be the same.
Watched the game live when Robin Ventura charged the mound.
Baseball has always had class acts and jerks. Still does.
Fitting that it was Henderson - who also holds records that will never be broken.
His single season base steals record could have been set at over 130. Correction: over 170. He got caught stealing 42 times that year.
Yep. Henderson didn't even start his swing till after the ball was already in the catcher's mitt LOL
And whom also rarely strikes out himself. 13346 AB’s Rickey struck out 1694 times in 25 seasons. That’s average 67 times a year.
@@crazykev6491 It's important to remember, it was his job to get on base, and then steal bases. He had an unorthodox batting stance, minimizing his strike zone, to help facilitate that.
@@aaronburtram3175 Yeap I remember and grew up in the 80s & 90s. I loved watching Ryan pitch. It’s because of Dwight Gooden, Clemens and Ryan, that I admire pitching over hitting. It’s such an art form
I was at that game in Arlington, Texas. It was a magical moment in baseball history. Nolan Ryan -> Legend
It's such a fantastic feeling when you attend a special game. I was lucky enough to be at Derek Jeter's "Mr. November" game. He homered to win game 5 of the World Series at 12:02am on November 1st. The tattered flag from ground zero is waving in center field. I'll never forget it.
You were not there, stop lying
this man was 42-43 years old when he achieved 5000 strikeouts...... still throwing hard at that age... 95 to 97 mph...... amazing... that record will never be broken.
I honestly believe had the strike and an injury not happened he'd be the only one with 6,000 K's.
@@jackson5116 oh most definitely......... he was the one rare power pitcher who was able to maitain that velocity well into his 40's........i mean, he was still throwing hard when he retired...
@@jackson5116 , he is the only one with 5,000 Ks....I dont see anyone joining that.
The ump made it legit by not ringing him up on that big curve ball. It was a strike, but even Ryan knew that 2nd called strike was outta the zone.
exactly
Would have still be 2 strikes anyway since Henderson fouled one off with 2 strikes.
I was at this game, Rickey Henderson is in the record books twice. 1) breaking Lew Brocks base stealing record and being Nolan Ryan's 5,000 strike out. With the state of MLB , Nolan's strike out record will never be broken.
Ricky also has the record for runs scored.
Even if pitchers went deeper into games like they used to, this record is probably never getting broken. Nolan pitched for 27 years and he’s second all-time in career starts with 773. Only two active players (Greinke and Verlander) are even over 500 starts.
Rickey is in the record books quite a few more times than that
I was there! we were sitting in the left field bleachers and Ricky was playing left field. After he struck out and the A’s came back in the field, everyone was razzing Ricky and he said said you don’t understand, I’m in the record book too! Everyone there got a nice certificate .. still have mine.
That's a great story ! Thanks
Awesome!
Rickey is just too cool
Is this the mike gentry I know? If so hi!! And also, you lucky sob!
Please post positive proof pronto, pics preferred
Ricky shouldn't look so bummed at the end. Just over two months later the A's won the 'Series and even a earthquake couldn't stop that.
Two of my baseball idols right here...Ryan and Henderson, just epic 👍
I was 8 years old and living in Fort Worth when I saw this game, it was almost like watching the moon landing. Everyone at school and in town was talking about it before and after it happened. It was a great time not only for baseball but also a great time in America that we'll never be able to experience again.
Never noticed the Bush cameo before.
He was a part owner of the Rangers at the time and I believe that was the Commissioner, Bart Giamatti, next to Laura Bush.
@@chuckknight2994 Its also sobering to note that Bart Giamatti passed away about a week later
Is he chewing tobacco there?
@@Radeo if it was post heart attack it would make sense...he was a regular smoker before it, I think
George Dub bu ya
The second strike was a little outside and a little high and the third ball looked like it fell in there for a strike. Strike 3 swinging is the way to go.
Ball 3 definitely felt like a makeup call for strike two. In the end a very impressive at bat from Rickey.
I was thinking the exact same thing
2nd pitch. Not a strike. 🙈
Third ball was inside easy
Nolan Ryan is my favorite baseball player of all time.
Great ones are timeless. Always enjoyed watching him pitch. Never be another one like him. Strike out king and seven no hitters. Both will never be past by a single pitcher.
This is one of those records that WILL NEVER be broken
I lived in Dallas then and was at this game. Incredible! Nolan Ryan is a class act and a great sportsman. They don't come any better!!!
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was 12yrs old living in south texas watching this on my grandmothers TV all by myself. It was AWESOME!!!
Two top 5 longest MLB careers facing off. This is an historic clip. 52 years combined playing at the highest level.
I miss full stadiums and loud crowds.
We’ve also left the era of no cell phones. Just folks enjoying the game back in the day. I miss those days.
You could fire a gun off and not hit anyone in Ranger Stadium back then.....except on nights Nolan was pitching.
It's not like it's been 30 years.
Amen.... the sounds the loudness. The HOTDOG GET YOUR 🌭HOTDOG HERE... lol
@@NoirAngel921 You mean scamdemic
Man, that curveball just drops off the table.
Ryan's curveball with severely underrated by any who didn't face it. That is a traditional 12 to 6 curveball. That curveball is the hardest variation to make contact with of all the curve balls that exist.
In the 1969 world series Ryan threw a curveball like that one directly at Paul Blair of the Orioles. The result was a strikeout when Blair nearly hit his knees in the dirt.
@@paysonfox88 7 no-hitters, 12 1-hitters, and 18 2-hitters, all records. I don't know how anybody could hit this guy at all.
@Le Tigidou interesting question and possibility. Have to look up Hall of Fame pitchers and see who gave up the most hits.
It's just amazing to watch Nolan Ryan, he was so calm and collected, during that sequence of pitches... Definitely a class act..
You don't throw 7 no nos by being a hothead or easily flappable.
Gosh, I still remember watching this game. Nolan had to be one of the hardest working pitchers I have ever seen. The man was just damn durable too.
Holy jheez, guys....
I was at this game, had decent seats too. I wasn't really a baseball fan until then, now I follow and love it! Nolan Ryan was the John Wayne of baseball
Remember as a Junior in high school seeing that and still brings tears to my eyes. Blew a fastball right by him........ epic baby!
Here’s what I love about this. The announcers laid out and let the crowd tell the story.
Strike out my favorite all time player!!!! Never will forget this game!!!! Ryan was a bad ass for sure!!!!
I remember watching this game I was 9 yrs old, my two favorite players of all time. The greatest base runner of all time with 1,406 stolen bases, and one of the greatest pitchers of all time in my opinion in the Ryan Express. Players like this is what made me love the game and play for 15 years of my life.
Para los que lean y hablen el español, este señor Nolan Ryan es uno de los mejores lanzadores de la historia del béisbol....otro nivel...
I am so glad this was preserved. My kids are just learning about Nolan Ryan and seeing this ungodly achievement is awesome!
Add up the records between these two hall of famers! Two of the best of all time coming together at this moment in time!
The best pitcher I ever saw in my lifetime.
For me it was Pedro Martinez. Saw him many times in good ole Fenway.
I likened it to what I heard about Babe Ruth's legend!!!!!!!
I saw him pitch for the Mets in Atlanta in his rookie year when he walked as many as he struck out.
Every time the Ryan Express pitched you had a chance to see some tyoe of history, wow
What a smooth wind-up! Like a coiled spring. A lot of young pitchers use mostly arm strength. Ryan pulled power from every inch of his body!
5000+ Strikeouts and 7 No Hitters...The End.
Today's pros are gonna be getting 1k strikeout careers with 10+ no hitters lmao
Most walks issued too…But could care less.Ryan was a monster of a pitcher
The Von Ryan Express. He backed down to no one. I still remember when he nearly tore Piaza's head off.
@@raidersacdc4892 you throw many innings as he did . Your probly going to walk some
I was 11 years old at the time. I was watching this game on a television that only had three channels. This was when baseball wasn't trying to be anything but baseball.
You know the dislikes are Robin Ventura fans.
*Or people who just realize that 2,795 walks is a ridiculous amount of walks.*
@@superbrownbrown still won 300 games, struck out over 5000 people and 7 no-hitters...your point is?
@@grantstraub6393 *Ryan also LOST 292 games. No hitters are not a proper argument when you walk the entire ballpark. A perfect game or facing the minimum amount of men (27) in a complete game shutout would be far more impressive. Ryan never did either of those things in his career. Great pitcher, great strikeout pitcher... but not the greatest pitcher ever. His K/BB ratio was average at best.*
*These are the next two pitchers on the all-time strikeout list:*
*Randy Johnson: 4,875 strikeouts, 1,497 walks.*
*Roger Clemens: 4,672 strikeouts, 1,580 walks.*
*Those are proper great K/BB ratios. Neither of them were within 1,200 walks of Ryan. Even the next pitcher on the list, Steve Carlton, was close to Ryan's K/BB ratio, but still had a better ratio than Ryan:*
*Steve Carlton: 4,136 strikeouts, 1,833 walks.*
*So again, Ryan was a great pitcher, but not the greatest pitcher. Not even close.*
@@superbrownbrown while you’re throwing out stats, throw out the median batting average of players against Ryan .204. Or how about his lack of run support his entire career. He lost more games were he gave up 1-2 runs than anybody during his career. You give him a team that could actually produce just a few runs and he would be closer to 400 wins. But haters don’t want to look at those stats.
@@chuckfinley6747 *I don't hate the guy, and what you stated is not invalid (even though it's tough to play "what if")... but nothing you posted explains away 2,795 walks. It also doesn't explain away a .307 OBP against. Better than the MLB average of .322, but the debate isn't about "better than average".*
That big curve at 2:32 was totally a strike, can’t believe that wasn’t called. Damn what a nasty curve he threw.
Did Nolan Ryan throw "nice' pitches? No.
the ump was fooled. XD
Definitely a strike with the strike zone back then. 100% a Ball though in today's strike zone lol.
@@billyfraiser6298 You bring up a great point. Technology today keeps the umpires honest. Greg Maddox got calls that were six inches off the plate. Completely unhitable. He wouldn't get away with that today.
Yeah but Ryan also got a called strike earlier in the count that was clearly outside. It all evened out in the end.
One Hall of Famer striking out another Hall of Famer for #5,000. Amazing!
This is Great against Great. I checked the stats on Rickey Henderson, and the only reason that he had any reason to be the victim is that he played the game so long. Henderson was to getting on base (which matters more than stealing bases) what Ryan was to striking batters out. Henderson did not strike out much for a certifiably great hitter. Henderson struck out only 68 times that year, so in a way it is amazing that it is this combination.
I don't remember what kind of a fielder Henderson was so I won't comment on that. But as a batter, there really wasn't anything he couldn't do.
Hit for average? Check.
Hit for power? Check?
Bunt? Check?
Need a double or even a triple? Check.
Need a walk? Check.
And of course, need a steal? Check.
He was a lot of fun to watch.
The cutting fastball for Strike 2 was WAY outside. But the curve that froze Henderson was a strike. It was a make-up call.
I remember back in 1977, the Blue Jays first year. My dad got two tickets for my 12th birthday and we were going to see the California Angels. We had tickets right behind home plate, eight rows up. Nolan Ryan was scheduled to pitch. We were on the streetcar almost at the stadium and there was an old guy next to us with a transistor radio. All of a sudden we hear over his radio "There has been a starting pitching change for the Angels. Nolan Ryan will not be starting today's game. Instead he will start tomorrow's game". Holy crap was my dad ticked off. I learned some new words that day.
Favorite pitcher of all time easily. Another Ironman of baseball. 27 years of pure heat!
Crazy fact. I have both their autographs. Nolan Ryan autographed MLB baseball and a Ricky Henderson autographed baseball card ('89 Donruss).
No posturing or grandstanding. Just ''Business as Usual''.
Can't show on his face that he knows that second pitch was way outside.
Not like that nowadays, guys celebrate every inconsequential thing they do that's part of their job description.
A record unbeatable! Even though batters strike out more than ever, no pitcher throws enough innings to make a challenge. Imagine Ryan pitching today! Sick would be the only word to describe the carnage.
It makes it even more special that it was Rickey Henderson
he almost seems like he doesn't want the recognition, as if saying "let's just continue the game." class act all the way. GOAT.
Probably thought it would ruin his tempo and in a way it showed with the next batter.
@@LukeL007 Sierra should've caught that ball, but he was never a good fielder anyway. He played DH a lot with Texas.
What is shocking is there is a 3000 strikeout club and he had almost double that.
Nolan Ryan and Rickey Henderson. Two of the most savage competitors in baseball history. I love the grin on Rickey's face when the ump calls that early pitch -- that was just outside -- a strike. Henderson wants to say something, but doesn't. His grin just says, "For crying out loud, the mean son of a bitch doesn't need any help." Then the ump actually gives Rickey a couple of breaks on close pitches. And then the Express strikes him out swinging anyway. And swinging is exactly the way a warrior like Henderson would want it to be.
The crowd explodes. Ryan doffs his cap quickly and wants to get right back to business. But . . . not so fast, pal. That was a big deal.
I'm 6'8" and 40 years old. I pitched through high school. Nolan Ryan was my HERO. Because of him I only wanted to throw GAS. I never learned a curveball or a slider. I used to spend HOURS throwing balls against the hay stacks on our farm. I started pitching in 3rd grade but my control was so "Wild Thing Ricky Vaughn" I never even got to PLAY pitcher until 8th grade. They would always put my in right field. I sucked at right field. I sucked at hitting. But after my growth spurt I was 6'6", 220lbs as a Senior and I could throw in the 90's. I never got any college or pro offers because I had bad control when I would throw hard. I would have to slow my pitches down to 70mph or so to have any decent control. What Nolan Ryan was able to do is the most incredible feat for a Pitcher's career and will never be matched.
2 of the all time greats going head to head! How I miss those simpler times, when it was still a great sport unsullied by attitudes and politics....
When the catcher comes up to congratulate him, you can read Nolan's lips. "Thank you. One out".
Here's a man who doesn't care about the numbers. Just needs to compete...
yeah he didn't say that. he said 'throw it out' meaning throw the ball to the dugout which is why the catcher immediately turned away to toss it into the dugout to hold onto.
How can you not love this game?
I remember Ryan going against Pete Rose back in the day. The announcer said 'it's not very often when you see a man with over 4,000 strikeouts going against a man with 4,000 hits!' Rose went 1 for 3 with a hit, a strikeout, a groundout and a sacrifice fly! A perfect standoff!
Great AB by to Hall of Famer's one strike was outside but Ryan's curve that was way underrated buckled Henderson and dropped into the strike zone but fooled the ump also.
Underrated? Ryan's curve was talked about as being one of the best quite a bit.
No matter how sizzling your fastball is, if you don't have a second good pitch, you will not be a great pitcher.
I named my son Nolan! He's one of my favorite pitchers of all time (I'm a Dodgers fan, so I have a lot to choose from) - and 7 no hitters?! Unbelievable.
Are you sure it wasn't Nalon?
I remember watching this game with my Dad I miss those days …..
Truly a legendary moment in sports. I can remember exactly where I was in that very moment. What a match up Ryan Vs. Henderson. Two baseball legends. What a humble man Nolan Ryan is. He just wanted to keep on pitching. This is one record that will never be broken.
I hadn't seen that since I watched it on TV that night when I was 16. I thought he got him on the hook at 2-2 but the ump didn't call it. Of course, the 0-1 pitch wasn't a strike, so I guess they were even at that point. Great that he got #5000 against a fellow Hall of Famer and not some scrub, though.
I got a challenge, take a shot every time Nolan Ryan fixed his hat in this video.
I also loved how before every throw he would nod his head to Rickey to make sure he was ready.
He was nodding his head to the catcher. He and other pitchers all do that.
As a kid in the 80's, im glad i got to watch Nolan Ryan pitch. He is one the best to ever pitch. Along with Sandy Kofax, Tom Seaver, Bob Gibson, Cy Young
C'mon man, don't forget Steve Carlton.
You forgot Blip Rogers, how DARE you!
What a great era of baseball...I collected cards then to have these guys...all greats
Showed a young future president and first Lady before the strikeout
Future war criminal*
He used to own the Texas Rangers at that time.
@@jackdull5699 interesting i didnt know that.
Standing to Laura's left, Bart Giamatti, the commissioner who would ban Pete Rose and then die less than a month afterward.
@@jackdull5699 still does font they?
This was a great time in America when things were normal and baseball was king!!!. Before politicians,media and social media destroy everything.
Politicians were well at work destroying everything before this. But you are correct with the plague we call social media.
Absolutely
Politicians who owned baseball teams!
When every single fan was engaged in the game. We'll never get that time back.
You're literally watching media coverage of the game on a social media platform.
I only had the opportunity to see him pitch live once, but it was all I needed. He completely shut down the team I support but I had no problem with it. I was seeing a legend in his practice and knew it.
My favorite pitcher. I loved it when he and Frank Tanana played for the California Angels. Amazing strikeout pitchers.
My favorite trio was when he was in Houston. The Astros would pitch Ryan one day, Joe Niekro the next day, then J.R. Richard the third day. Two guys bringing it at 100+ mph sandwiched around a knuckleballer. Try gearing up for that in a three game series as a batter 🙂
Two of my favorite players!
Greatest of all time... Striking out the hardest player to strike out in history of all time.
Never won a SINGLE cy young in 23 years? Greatest of all time? And oh btw Ryan also holds the record for walks.
@@mikeglenn5212He never really had any talent at the plate to knock in any runs for him to win any games. Take a look at his teammates stats all those years... not very good OBP (on base percentage) or batting averages.... Besides you're telling me seven no hitters and he's not the best of all time...get real!!!😂
@@BluBlu111 He led the league 8 times in bases on balls, that has nothing to do with his team's lack of offense. He also pitched in a pitcher's park for many years. And yes he did throw 7 no hitters and yes he did win 300 games, but it took him 27 YEARS to do it. He was good, but to say the greatest is a stretch at best.
@@mikeglenn5212 exactly 27 years as a starting pitcher... And he still threw in the mid-90s at the end of his career... But we all have our opinions that's what this is for....lol... take care Mike 👍
LOL, I like Nolan Ryan a lot. But he’s NOWHERE near the greatest of all-time.
He’s about 25th in baseball history as pitchers go. And that’s an incredible accomplishment considering how many men have pitched. But he did was never the best pitcher in his league in any season, let alone the best to ever do it.
Truly a legend. Favorite player growing up
Still love that it was my two favorite players for that era of baseball!
It’s a shame the Rangers could never make it to a World Series with him
you are so right. that Texas team with him, Palmiero, Buschelle, Sierra, and so many more were definitely Pennant class! ONG HAD NO IDEA HIS 5K WAS HENDERSON!!!!
@@JayRev_Music Julio Franco, Harold Baines, Pete Incaviglia
@@Gabriela-Acevedo MY person!!! You were there, I can tell! LOVED THE INC-MAN (pronounce ink-man, but you know that, obviously) Still wish Julio was swingin that wicked stance...you are a True Ranger fan, yaaaaas!!!
Two legends
I remember watching this game with my dad.
not a cell phone to be seen! watched it live on TV as a teenager. What a night that was.
I love how the ump gave Henderson that strike back that was clearly outside on the sick curve that was clearly a strike.
Can't believe I had to scroll down this far to see someone bring up the bingo caller behind the plate
Yeah, Rickey knew that the ump knew it was a ball as well... but he also knew that it was going to be tough to get calls in his favor at this moment... that's why he was laughing. 🙂
Nolan Ryan's like "Thanks, but this game ain't over"
Man...he is still a BAD ASS! loved watching him pitch that ball. ⚾️⚾️
That was some heat!! Henderson didn't even start his swing until the ball was already in the catcher's mitt😆😆
I wish everything was normal so we can have crowds like this at the stadiums.
Soon.. very soon.
@@AlexSosaBolivia you think so.
As long as idiots kneel, I won't be back.
@@noneofyourdamnbusiness3706 Kneeling to show subservience to their woke masters. Pathetic!
@@AlexSosaBolivia I am a veteran. That flag only represents veterans who died defending it. No cop defends that flag. They only defend their masters. Why are they kneeling. Didn't Abraham Lincoln free the slaves? I guess they are still in bondage. For being so woke, they sure are asleep.
“Thanks, now the inning isn’t over so get back behind the plate.”
I was a 13 year old Ranger fan when I watched this. Nolan was my hero then and still is. No juice. Just hard work and God given talent.
The man is too humble to be that incredible.
Man this was such a big deal back in the day
This will never be duplicated. Many can't conceive of what it takes to strike out 5,000 major league batters. It even took the great Nolan Ryan, 20 years was it?