Who Is Nolan Ryan? Age, Biography and Wiki
Nolan Ryan, born on January 31, 1947, in Alvin, Texas, is a retired American professional baseball player renowned for his exceptional pitching skills and record-breaking career. At the age of 78, Ryan's contributions to Major League Baseball (MLB) continue to resonate with fans and players alike. With an illustrious career spanning over two decades, he’s celebrated not only for his fierce fastball but also for his longevity in the game. His Wikipedia page provides an in-depth look at his life, achievements, and legacy in baseball.
| Occupation | Baseball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 31, 1947 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Refugio, Texas, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Nolan Ryan's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) and weighing around 200 pounds (91 kg), Nolan Ryan showcased an athletic build that contributed to his endurance on the mound. Though he is no longer an active player, his legacy in maintaining top physical condition throughout his career sets an example for aspiring athletes.
Ryan played baseball for Coach Jim Watson at Alvin High School for all of his high school career. Ryan held the school's single game strikeout record for 44 years, striking out 21 hitters in a seven-inning game. The record was tied by Alvin High School pitchers Aaron Stewart and Josh Land in the same week in 2009.
In 1963, at an Alvin High School game at Clear Creek High School in League City, Texas, Red Murff, a scout for the New York Mets, first noticed sophomore pitcher Ryan. Coach Watson recounted to Murff that some opponents refused to bat against Ryan and how his hard pitches would sometimes break bones in his catchers' hands.
In his subsequent report to the Mets, Murff stated that Ryan had "the best arm I've seen in my life." As a senior in 1965, Ryan had a 19–3 record and led the Alvin Yellow Jackets to the Texas high school state finals. Ryan pitched in 27 games, with 20 starts. He had 12 complete games, with 211 strikeouts and 61 walks.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Nolan Ryan has been married to Ruth Ryan since 1967, creating a strong family foundation that has supported him throughout his career. Together, they have three children: Reid, Reese, and Wendy. The Ryan family has often been involved in charitable activities and supports various community initiatives, reflecting their close-knit bond.
Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr. Ryan was the youngest of six children born to Martha Lee (née Hancock; 1913–1990) and Lynn Nolan Ryan Sr. (1907–1970). The senior Ryan operated a newspaper delivery service for the Houston Post that required him to rise in the early morning hours to prepare 1,500 newspapers for delivery over a 55 mi route.
The children were expected to help with the daily tasks. Ryan's family lived in nearby Woodsboro, Texas, in Refugio County, until they moved to Alvin, Texas, in Brazoria County, when Nolan was six weeks old. As a young boy, Nolan enjoyed throwing objects at any target.
His father thought baseball a better usage for his arm; therefore, he encouraged Nolan to play the game.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Nolan Ryan's estimated net worth is around $60 million. His earnings stem not only from his illustrious baseball career but also from endorsements, business ventures, and his role as an executive in various baseball organizations. His financial acumen has allowed him to thrive even after retirement, securing his legacy both on and off the field.
On November 19, 1979, Ryan signed a four-year contract worth $4.5 million (equivalent to $ million in ) with the Houston Astros, becoming MLB's first million-dollar player. The salary quadrupled what he had been making with the California Angels.
In a nationally televised game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 12, 1980, Ryan hit a three-run home run off Don Sutton. It was the first of two homers in Ryan's career and produced half of the six RBIs he got that year.
On July 4 at Riverfront Stadium, Ryan recorded his 3,000th career strikeout, the victim being César Gerónimo of the Cincinnati Reds. The Astros made the 1980 MLB postseason.
In the 1980 NLCS versus the Philadelphia Phillies, Ryan pitched well in Game 2, leaving the game tied 2–2 in the seventh (having contributed to both Astros runs with a run scored following a walk, and a sacrifice bunt leading to a run) but again got a no-decision in a game that went extra innings.
In the fifth and final game of the series, Ryan and the Astros held a 5–2 lead entering the 8th inning. But Ryan allowed three consecutive singles before walking in the third run. The Houston bullpen allowed the Phillies to take a 7–5 lead, and only a game-tying Astro rally permitted Ryan to escape the loss.
Career, Business, and Investments
Nolan Ryan’s baseball career began in 1966 when he debuted with the New York Mets. Over the years, he played for prominent teams, including the California Angels, Houston Astros, and the Texas Rangers. Ryan is best known for his record-setting seven no-hitters and is widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.
Post-retirement, Ryan has engaged in several business ventures, including ownership stakes in minor league baseball teams and participation in various sports-related enterprises. His acumen for business and investments has further solidified his status as a prominent figure in the sports industry.
Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr. (born January 31, 1947), nicknamed "the Ryan Express", is an American former professional baseball pitcher and sports executive. Over a record 27-year playing career in Major League Baseball (MLB), Ryan pitched for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers.
After his retirement in 1993, Ryan served as chief executive officer (CEO) of the Texas Rangers and an executive advisor to the Houston Astros. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999 in his first year of eligibility, and is widely considered to be one of the greatest pitchers of all time.
Social Network
Nolan Ryan maintains an active presence on social media platforms, where he connects with fans, shares insights into his life, and promotes various charitable activities. You can find him on Twitter (@NolanRyan) and Instagram (@nolanryan_34), where he provides glimpses into his life beyond baseball and interacts with his dedicated follower base.
Although the Angels were a sub-.500 team and remained one for much of Ryan's time with them, he managed to post some winning records, notably 19–16 in 1972, 21–16 in 1973, and 22–16 in 1974 (the 22 wins tied what remains the Angels franchise record, set by Clyde Wright in 1970).
He finished second in the Cy Young Award balloting (losing to Jim Palmer 88–62) in 1973. It was the closest he ever came to winning the award. Ryan also led the league in losses in 1976 with a 17–18 record (one short of the franchise record for losses).
In the early 1970s, many teams used a four-man rotation and expected the starter to complete the game; thus most of the games Ryan started ended in a decision.
Education
Nolan Ryan attended Alvin High School, where he first showcased his pitching talents. While he did not pursue higher education in the traditional sense, his experiences in Major League Baseball have provided him with invaluable knowledge that he has shared with younger generations through mentorship and community programs.
Ryan joined Alvin Little League Baseball when he was nine, made the all-star team when he was 11 and 12, and pitched the first no-hitter of his life a few years later. Ryan also played various positions besides pitcher. In junior high school, Ryan could throw a softball over 100 yards.
After ninth grade, Ryan quit playing football after a tackle and fumble caused by future NFL running back Norm Bulaich made him decide to focus on baseball.
