7 no-hitters (record). All-time MLB strikeout leader (5,714). 27 seasons across four franchises. The only pitcher to throw a no-hitter past age 40.
Position
Pitcher
Size
6'2" · 195 lb
Born
Jan 31, 1947 · Refugio, Texas
Drafted
1965 · pick 295
324
Wins
5,714
Strikeouts
7
No Hitters
3.19
Era
5,386
Innings Pitched
Nolan Ryan pitched 27 MLB seasons across four franchises (Mets, Angels, Astros, Rangers), the longest career in modern MLB history. He's the all-time leader in strikeouts (5,714 — more than 800 ahead of second place), no-hitters (7 — three more than Sandy Koufax in second), and walks (2,795). Two of his no-hitters came after his 40th birthday — the only pitcher in MLB history to throw a no-hitter past 40. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999 with 98.79% of the vote, the highest pitcher percentage at the time. He has retired numbers with three franchises (Angels #30, Astros #34, Rangers #34).
Career
1966-1971
New York Mets
Six seasons after being drafted in the 12th round in 1965. Won the 1969 World Series in a relief role; the Mets later traded him to the Angels for Jim Fregosi in one of the most-lopsided trades in baseball history.
1972-1979
California Angels
Eight seasons in Anaheim. Threw four of his seven no-hitters here (1973 ×2, 1974, 1975), set the modern single-season strikeout record (383 in 1973), and became the team's franchise face. The Angels retired his #30 jersey.
1980-1988
Houston Astros
Nine seasons at home in Texas. Threw his fifth no-hitter (1981) here. Led the NL in ERA in 1981 and 1987. Inaugural recipient of the Hutch Award in 1985.
1989-1993
Texas Rangers
Five seasons to close out his career. Threw his 6th and 7th no-hitters here (1990, 1991), reached 300 wins and 5,000 strikeouts. Retired in September 1993 with a torn elbow ligament.
Honors & Awards
1969 World Series Champion (Mets)8× MLB All-StarBaseball Hall of Fame (1999, 98.79% — highest pitcher percentage at the time)All-time MLB strikeout leader (5,714)All-time MLB no-hitter leader (7)All-time MLB walks leader (2,795)Numbers retired by Angels (#30), Astros (#34), Rangers (#34)MLB All-Century Team (1999)Presidential Medal of Freedom (1992)