This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2023
No other player in major league history more suitably fits the term "power pitcher" than the iconic Nolan Ryan. The New York Mets drafted "The Ryan Express" in the 12th round of the 1965 MLB draft as an 18-year-old fresh out of high school, and they knew he had the talent to be something special when he posted a 17-4 record and 2.36 ERA with 307 strikeouts over 202 innings in the minors. But falling for the allure of acquiring six-time all-star second baseman Jim Fregosi, the Mets tragically sent Ryan and three others to the Angels. Other pitchers were considered among the elite for striking out 200 batters in a season, but Ryan had his annual sights set on striking out over 300, which he did 6 times in his career, the last coming at the age of 42, and topping the league strikeout list 11 times on his way to being the all-time strikeout king. A model of consistency that rarely saw him laid up with injury, he posted double-digit wins 20 times over a 21-year span from 1971-91. Ryan's breakout year came in 1972 with the California Angels, posting 19 wins with an impressive 2.28 ERA, 20 complete games, a league-leading 9 shutouts, and the first of those 300+ whiff seasons at 329. The featured jersey was put into service by Nolan Ryan during that 1972 season, a Rawlings size 42 game that is tagged by the manufacturer with an additional "Set 1 #8P 1972" flag attached. According to MEARS, who evaluated the jersey with an A10 rating with all markers and indicators completely accurate, the garment shows wear consistent with moderate use, and the jersey is signed in black marker with an inscription, "Best Wishes Always Nolan Ryan 1972." This jersey is a featured item in "Game Worn: Baseball Treasures from the Game's Greatest Heroes and Moments", a book written by Stephen Wong and Dave Grob. An incredible piece of baseball history from perhaps the most imposing figure ever to take the mount. Full LOA from Troy Kinunen/MEARS Graded MEARS A10, as well LOA JSA (autograph only).