Two-time National League MVP Dale Murphy called Nolan Ryan “the only pitcher you start thinking about two days before you face him.” Ryan’s career spanned four decades and when all was said and done, he retired with 324 wins and a major league-record 5,714 strikeouts.
Ryan’s career began with the Mets organization in the mid-1960s, but his commitment to his country, through military reserve service, prevented him from really hitting his stride in New York. It was not until the completion of his military service, and his trade to the California Angels, that the real Nolan Ryan emerged. During his time with the Angels, he hurled four no-hitters and broke Sandy Koufax’s modern-era single-season strikeout record. Reggie Jackson, one of the most dominant sluggers of the generation, explained what it was like to face him. “I love to bat against Nolan Ryan and I hate to bat against Nolan Ryan. It’s like ice cream. You may love it, but you don’t want it shoveled down your throat by the gallon. I’ve never been afraid at the plate but Mr. Ryan makes me uncomfortable. He’s the only pitcher who’s ever made me consider wearing a helmet with an ear flap.” This amazing jersey hails from his epic 1973 season, only his second year with the Angels, when he won 20 games for the first time and logged an MLB record 383 strikeouts, a record that remains intact four decades later despite the, uh, eagerness of modern players to swing from their heels.
On the front inside tail of this classic is the "McAuliffe" manufacturer's tag directly above the Size "44" smaller tag. The year "1973" and wash tags flank the McAuliffe tag. Across the front is "Angels" in red-on-navy blue tackle twill; below on the left and on back is the player number "30" in the same fashion. Across the back is the player name "Ryan," also in red-on-navy blue tackle twill. On the left sleeve is the “State of California” embroidered patch. Ryan’s autograph, administered in the presence of John Hamilton at the Newport Sports Museum, appears in black marker on the front of the shirt above the "Angels" lettering. While PSA/DNA rendered an “inconclusive” inspection of the signature, JSA has issued a full LOA. The jersey shows solid game-use with no alterations of any kind.
Includes a LOA from MEARS (Graded A10) and a Letter of Provenance from the Newport Sports Museum Collection.