The Top 40 Pitchers in Baseball History, Ranked

#24: Nolan Ryan

Nolan Ryan didn’t throw pitches. He hurled thunder. His fastball was a blur, his glare a warning. Over 27 seasons, Ryan struck out an unfathomable 5,714 batters and hurled seven no-hitters. No Cy Youngs? Doesn’t matter. He was a phenomenon. He once threw 235 pitches in a single game.

At 46, he was still blowing hitters away—and throwing punches. Ryan’s legend is measured in velocity and longevity, not trophies. He was pure power: primal, untamed, awe-inspiring. Ask Robin Ventura. Ask the radar gun. Ask anyone who ever stepped into the box against him. Nolan Ryan didn’t age. He raged.