Nolan Ryan 1999 Hall of Fame Induction Speech

Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. (born January 31, 1947), nicknamed "The Ryan Express", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Texas Rangers. He is currently an executive adviser to the owner of the Houston Astros.
During a major league record 27-year baseball career, he pitched in 1966 and from 1968 to 1993 for four different teams: the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers.Ryan is the all-time leader in no-hitters with seven, three more than any other pitcher. He is tied with Bob Feller for the most one-hitters, with 12. Ryan also pitched 18 two-hitters. Despite the seven no-hitters, he never threw a perfect game, nor did he ever win a Cy Young Award. Ryan is one of only 29 players in baseball history to have appeared in Major League baseball games in four decades and the only pitcher to have struck out seven pairs of fathers and sons.
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The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is home to the greatest stars and the history of the game. Located in scenic Cooperstown, New York, the Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving the sport's history, honoring excellence within the game, and connecting generations through baseball.

[@sldl04]

100% badass right there. They don't make 'em like Nolan Ryan anymore.

[@christophersantana5895]

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU.

[@jackofbee]

broke the mold once he was finished being made!!

[@crimsontide1980]

No greater truth ever told. Guy had so much respect for the game, for his opponents, and he was tough as they came

[@topsyturvyy4558]

Nolan Ryan along with others of that era were bigger than baseball, they are American Icons!

[@maxxdahl6062]

I'd almost not want to bat against this guy.

[@anitajohnson7693]

This is when athletes were worthy role models for our youth. He had everything, honor and respect for others, worked hard and did his best every day. Honored his wife and family. He was great to watch.

[@kitrellheiden7613]

He is a true TEXAS gentleman and treasure!!!

[@fredapeeples6619]

Woop dee doo yay texas. stfu.

[@Ken_Weber_organist]

yes, a very, VERY articulate man

[@theunknown4570]

Dressed like a million bucks.

[@chrisweidner4768]

5,700+ strikeouts. Will never be touched. 7 no hitters, 12 one hitters, 22 two hitters. Will never be touched. Hell, will never be approached.

[@Tampa370]

Have to go look but I believe he had 2 other games he went 9 innings and had only 1 hit, should have been 14 one hitters. Look at baseball reference, on July 22 1986, he went 9 innings 1 hit and 14 strikeouts, game was won in the 10th, should have been a 1 hitter for him. www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU198607220.shtml

[@Tampa370]

I thought there were two but didn't find but that 1986 game where he had a 1 hitter and pitched 9 inning, but since it wasn't a complete game it's not counted as an official 1 hitter.

[@samuelmoulds1016]

Chris Weidner yeah, in 2018 the YANKEES had a pitcher get "the hook" when he had a no-hitter going!

[@watchout361]

94 COMLETE GAMES 4 HITS OR LESS!

[@davenorth8922]

you forgot the 57 shutouts.

[@dapster]

The original freak right there. 27 seasons. 4 teams, Mets, Angels, Astros & Rangers, 7 no hitters, 5,714 strikeouts, 324 wins, 1969 World Series Champion (in fact, game 3 was was his only WS appearance) and the second highest HOF voting percentage behind his former Mets teammate, Tom Seaver.

[@csempire]

dapster Don't forget 12 1-hitters.

[@chrisweidner4768]

csempire and 22 2-hitters. No one will ever approach his dominance.

[@Trafala32]

And he were in teams that didn’t have a lot of offense

[@samuelmoulds1016]

Dapster GREATEST PITCHER EVER!!!!

[@terryogletree2128]

Not enough accolades

[@mrtit1964]

The 1st million dollar player, in MLB history.

[@chrisweidner4768]

mrtit1964 Deservedly so.

[@deckerrm]

Imagine what he would make today...................

[@waydebaker33]

@@deckerrm What... A guy that throws 105mph, 350+ innings, 300+ strikeouts, and 20 wins a season? Priceless...

[@MrDodger3222]

And he got really richer after retirement. Athletes need to take his investment advice!

[@terryogletree2128]

A bargain at any price

[@Breeder333]

Thanks for setting the standard Nolan. Not just the stats and the heater, the standard of being a good man.

[@davidm2688]

Classy guy with great humor and talent. So rare in this day and age.

[@flipperhansen5600]

Speaking of his sense of humor. He and Pete Rose did an interview together and it’s hilarious. If you haven’t seen it, I suggest it. It’s here on KZbin. But it’s broken up in 4 or 5 parts.

[@gwhiten2158]

Named my first son Nolan who was born in 1999 after this great man

[@AnthonyWW45]

My son was born in 99 and his middle name is Ryan

[@steinbierz]

We live in Alvin, TX, (Home of Nolan Ryan) and my grandson (who lives in League City, Texas) has the first and middle name of Nolan Ryan.

[@Trafala32]

The best there is , the best there was and the best that ever will be Nolan Ryan

[@RubenMartinez-my3ri]

Until you step in the batting box and stay in front of him that your mentality change because he was a reducer you get it one hit one home run next time he's going to hit your head with a ball now watch this goodness your Clements same bullshit both

[@sewermachine5078]

@@RubenMartinez-my3ri What?

[@benmiddleton9984]

Yep

[@goin2cali420]

@@sewermachine5078 think he smokes crack

[@keithcarlson7267]

💯

[@Anazble]

He aged really well

[@thepikachuoftexas3871]

He’s a Texas man.

[@martintrevino2126]

When i think of a major league pitcher. He's the very first that comes to mind. Enough said.

[@drraphaelworks4188]

The greatest strike out pitcher ever!!!

[@michaelbyrnee9584]

I no longer live in the US - for many reasons - but listening to this giant of a man, humbly thanking those who helped his career, reminds me of how great the US could be.

[@themadlad8540]

Nolan ryan my first favorite baseball player

[@JourneyJackson1]

Played ball the way it should have been played. Legend.

[@wolfie71231]

he's the most Texas dude ever

[@st77tx99]

The Greatest Of All Time...both on and off the field.

[@Artificialintelligentle]

5 greatests - Koufax, Ryan, Johnson,Maddux, Pedro Martinez.

[@jamestepera3356]

The John Wayne of baseball.....

[@christophersantana5895]

YOU GOT THAT RIGHT.

[@topsyturvyy4558]

The Elvis Presley of baseball too!

[@bodinmuschinsky3742]

Absolutely.

[@thatllputmarzipaninyourpie3117]

John Wayne was a racist simpleton

[@billythekidder7182]

Except Nolan wasn’t a fictional character.

[@michaelevans2750]

Nolan is truly a legend.

[@ca9495]

Loved watching this guy throw. That just don't make em like the Ryan Express anymore.

[@paulsummers2640]

What a great speech. He acknowledged all who helped him be what he was. AND, he never says "uh" or "um".

[@RackwitzG]

or "like".

[@regalgn1]

Or "you know"

[@topsyturvyy4558]

Or, would of. 😇

[@AZDC99]

He or she without SIN of saying a fill-in word like those while trying to finish a sentence, cast the first stone please! (I'm SURE you're so perfect!!)

[@RackwitzG]

@@AZDC99 When your mouth is quicker than your mind......

[@chuckinhouston9952]

A great American and a great Texan!

[@billythekidder7182]

Ryan surrounded by the legends of his time. Is this heaven???

[@drewlee2039]

"Fans I may be gone but I won't forgit ya ;)" Nolan Ryan. A rare mix of class, grit, determination, and elite talent.

[@LEFTaTIP]

There will never be another power pitcher than humble Nolan Ryan. Nolan was and is the greatest. !!! 27 years he played !!!, playing into 4 decades. Throwing fastball after fastball, most times completing games that he started and I think only once did he have an injury where he missed more than 3 starts. Com[are that to todays/ current MLB pitcher. Yes, Ryan was gifted by God to have that great arm but give Nolan Ryan the ultimate credit, he worked his azz off year in and year out to be that great. And he never took steriods !!!

[@jamiesmith6855]

Nolan Ryan is What Baseball is all about I was honored to watch him pitch many games and when he was forced to leave the Tx. Rangers it cut a part of the heart Out Of The Team

[@elvicare35]

Two legends to me Jamie, Babe Ruth and Nolan Ryan!!!!!

[@terryogletree2128]

Nolan always looks so serious , but buddy when cracks a smile its GOLD . . . . and it ain't his teeth

[@sirsaint88]

Just a class act!

[@charleslovins7252]

If anyone deserves it, Ryan does. Such a humble human being. The best to ever throw a ball. So thankful I got to watch him as a child. ⚾️

[@twolak1972]

Humble and gracious. THERES ONLY 1 NOLAN RYAN,THE GOAT.

[@ojibwayinca8487]

As a kid he was my hero. I wanted to be Nolan Ryan. He really is someone I admire.

[@TheHaloRed]

4 of Nolan's record 7 no-hitters were with the California Angels. The Ryan Express!

[@MrDodger3222]

He should have went in the HOF as a Angel. He had his best years with the Angels.

[@Pwnzistor]

He chose to wear a Rangers cap for his HOF plaque to reflect his Texas heritage, as well as the fact that his 300th win, 5000th strikeout, and last two no-hitters came as a Ranger.

[@MrDodger3222]

@@Pwnzistor Yeah I recently read the reason why he chose to wear a Rangers cap. He said it was because of those milestones he hit while with the Rangers, he said those years were really special to him. But even though he had his best years with the Angels, I think of him mostly as an Astro.

[@philiptucci2458]

Nolan was incredible, great 27 year career in baseball, my all time favorite pitcher always brought excitement to the mound

[@jamesbailey7810]

This guy should be a pitching coach any body who would be under his leadership would be surely blessed

[@markciessau7192]

Rr

[@charleslovins7252]

100% the best induction speech of all time. ⚾️

[@charleslovins7252]

5714. Geeeeeezzzzzzzzz. Touch that one. Try to. lol ⚾️

[@stevenkunzer9027]

So heartfelt, I love the way he acknowledges people and tell a story of how they influenced him in the game. You can tell this is the type of guy who will be successful at whatever he chooses to do.

[@Ken_Weber_organist]

a true class-act, not only acknowledging other players, fans, agents, and coaches but most importantly his FAMILY, especially his wife, Ruth, a complete class act in its purest form, also a true AMERICAN (and of course TEXAS) success story

[@tomocallaghan1809]

One of the driest HOF speeches and one of the most riveting. Class act!

[@robbiericciani8752]

Nolan Ryan can still save America....Run for President.

[@tonymeehan7859]

my favorite pitcher of ALL time

[@davidc6510]

Nolan Ryan... Baseball Legend as well as a humble and magnanimous person. Thank you for the baseball memories.

[@davids3313]

What a humble man (I imagine it's difficult not having a big head being best pitcher in baseball hands down). He seems to be amazed himself that he knows so many great people by first name.

[@lucasarielbarrera7313]

Ryan, un ejemplo a seguir dentro del campo de pelota pero también fuera de el, el mejor pitcher que ha habido reconoce que su talento en el rey de los deportes es un regalo que Dios le dió.

[@hotpiegravy2347]

Rumor is after his speech he went out and pitched no hitter #8 to celebrate.

[@randolphkersey5155]

I recall a day when my family went to the old Atlanta/Fulton County stadium. Braves v. Astros. Nolan was not pitching that day but pregame he was signing autographs on the side. I did not really care to get the autograph but I scurried down to the action with my trusty Electrolite10. I looked at him and Yelled: " Hey Nolan!" He looked dead into my eyes and held his gaze until I had snapped my photo. That photo is still in my scrap book all these years later.

[@trevorbaker3412]

I got to and had the honor of meeting him, talking to him and getting a picture with a free signed ball from him.

[@flipperhansen5600]

I haven’t finished watching, but it be great if he said “I’d like to thank Robin Ventura. Him charging the mound showed the world what a badass I am”.

[@encinobalboa]

"I'd like to thank Robin Ventura for charging straight under my arm. I couldn't have asked for better head lock and noogies."

[@baberRuth]

Make a comment on Winfield charging the mound. No headlock in that mele.

[@davidharrison3711]

"It was the best six=hitter of my career!"

[@MrHelp-yd4kn]

That dude. was like, maybe with Federer and Orr, the best of all time. God BLESS

[@Rays_Bad_Decisions]

Nolan Ryan will always be the best baseball player to me. He's right along side Babe Ruth

[@daveforgot127]

Well he was the most amazing best I'm not sure what you mean by that because they're a lot of others that were better

[@philiptucci2458]

Nolan brought great excitement to the game of baseball, one of the finest competitors of all time, very special player for sure

[@paulcrepeau7488]

The last batter in Nolan Ryan’s second career no-hitter (against the Detroit Tigers) was fellow Texan Norman Cash. Cash went up to the plate carrying a table leg, and when the umpire told him he could not use it, Cash replied, “Why not? Nothing else works!” Anyway, he finally popped up to shortstop Rudy Meoli to end the game. ⚾️💨

[@enriquevazquez9166]

The Great pitcher of all time.

[@jeffreally2936]

I became a baseball fan in 1967 watching my Red Sox win the pennant, in 1969 watching the world Series and watching Nolan Ryan throwing the ball as a 12 year old, I was stunned, I never saw a ball like that, with that being said, I am still a Red Sox fan and will always be a Nolan Ryan fan as that 12 year old was..........

[@davidbackus2944]

Fierce, tenacious, sassy and when need be, CLASSY! Congratulations Sir.

[@ssweeps]

I was there with my father. Thank you for posting.

[@neilparga2091]

GOAT

[@danbuckley7179]

What a pleasure listening to a man who exudes character and knows where his gifts came from!

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

THE MAN!

[@kramer1372]

Thank you Nolan... it is not an over statement to say that my life would not have been the same without u...

[@j33pfyn4tik6]

As a kid growing up in the 70's-80's and loving baseball, this man was a god. Throughout my life playing sports I wore #34 and even named my first son Nolyn (eventhough I spelled it differently) after this man. One hell of a champion baseball player, family man, and Inspirational American. Thanks Nolan for all the memories and contributions!

[@philiptucci2458]

Nolan was always a joy to watch pitch, very exciting and over powering, he is the best pitcher I've ever seen

[@markbadgley6216]

I love this man

[@aaronjanusch6090]

He is what baseball is supposed to be.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

I’m 39 and remember him EXTREMELY well as a kid…he was my favorite…knew he was at the end of his career but the last no hitter was incredible…me and my dad went nuts….Ryan and Cal Ripken Jr are the best imo

[@waltercopus1485]

Gretsky, Jordan, Brady, and Ryan. GOATs forever

[@thomashussman3790]

Many men excell in different areas of life and baseball. Few, however, excell both on and off the field. Nolan, you loved your family and the game. Thankyou for explaining your ideals and your faith in God; I am inspired by your words to become a better man.

[@rawbones4117]

The goat.

[@peterjb1957]

If there was another lesgue higher than the major leagues. First in! Superior Athlete. HE WAS AND IS THE BEST PITCHER EVER! His numbers are ridiculous!

[@philiptucci2458]

I agree Peter, a baseball legend and superior athlete, always a thrill when he was on the mound

[@DARK24-7]

Mr.Nolan Ryan and Mr. Bob Gibson my 2 fave pitchers ever.

[@WorldwideWyatt]

Those two along with Maddux and Clemens are the greatest since integration.

[@DARK24-7]

@@WorldwideWyatt -absolutely!!!

[@alexhairuso9935]

Rip bob

[@philiptucci2458]

I agree, Ryan and Gibson are my two favorite pitchers also

[@donsanders3703]

A True Champion!

[@TheSassy777]

Great One. Even better Person ⚾️

[@hollysalwan6736]

First class man right there!!

[@christophersantana5895]

NOLAN RYAN IS BASEBALL'S NATIONAL TREASURE.

[@emerickscott]

I was there! :)

[@erichauck5747]

The best

[@texknight67]

There are all kinds of events in life where you know exactly where you were and what you were doing when they happened. Nolan Ryan coming to the Rangers was one of those for this North East Texas kid.

[@Carpenterdane]

What a guy!

[@snowliondragon]

Thank you for excellence, Nolan Ryan. A true baseball gentleman as Christy Mathewson was.

[@BaseballCollector]

That is so awesome Bill. You are a saint for leading me to the other postcard. I appreciate it

[@terryogletree2128]

I didn't fast forward not 1 second of this speech

[@DRGW492]

A true legend I never got to see him pitch but I have heard legends he is the best pitcher to come out of Texas

[@riverview9320]

Classic - all the way!

[@LDehaut]

27 years career. What a dream. Blessed man.

[@jerrybrownell3633]

Even more than his 7 no hitters and his 5714 strike outs his most impressive stat was his .204 career batting average against. Still the record.

[@mattchacko8266]

Love it😊

[@mockingslur6945]

I like how Nolan acknowledged Puerto Rican’s in his speech. He was my favorite player growing up, and I had the honor of meeting him a couple of time’s. His son’s played in the same district in high school that we played in. It’s amazing that he stayed in Alvin, Texas as long as he did. If you’ve ever been there you’d understand. Lol

[@benmiddleton9984]

Greatest pitcher to ever play.

[@terryogletree2128]

Broke the mold

[@crunchwrapsupreme9372]

1:36 youth batheball

[@michaelastorga2478]

My all time baseball idol #34

[@bennyshaversmusic590]

Not only the greatest pitcher in MLB that's a 100% man. This kind of man is going extinct.

[@gh9111]

Big props to Tom Seaver in Nolan's and well deserved. I grew up a Met fan in the sixties and the Amazin Mets were amazing thanks in part to Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Gary Gentry, and a fireballer named Nolan Ryan. Let's just say it wasn't so Amazin that they won.

[@soaringvulture]

Seaver gave Ryan the most important tip: Slow Down! Ryan was throwing impossible fastballs but most of them weren't strikes. He eased up a bit (still throwing 100 MPH) and he got some semblance of control.

[@jeffreysmith5175]

God given gift. Amen

[@hmhm856]

The Brett Favre of MLB. Ryan did things that would just wow you, with how unreal he was. And then there was all those walks, my goodness

[@terencesmith218]

Greatness...period.

[@gh9111]

He gave props to Jerry Grote who guided that Mets staff to a World Championship.

[@DavidSilva-fq7nt]

As an Angels fan I wish he stayed a California Angel.

[@alan30189]

Hard to believe he never won a Cy Young Award.

[@themadlad8540]

@David Powell shutup

[@swtdelt]

Well one Nolan Ryan record nobody seems to ever bring up is he also holds the MLB all time record for walks... So that probably never helped his Cy Young chances throughout the years.

[@BattleTested]

Mark Mireles well not many have pitched the amount of times he did.

[@johndim11]

David Powell the speech wasn’t for you. It’s his moment and he can thank God if he chooses. When you make your Hall of Fame speech you can thank your husband, satan, the trees, or whatever the fuck you believe in.

[@MrDodger3222]

This is like how Derek Jeter never won the A.L. MVP.

[@JesusRodriguez-gy5eu]

The most people the hall of fame ever had for one of the greatest pitcher in baseball history on the field and of the field.

[@jsXanatos]

nice to see the camera man nodding so much in agreement

[@shellylister7006]

What a man!