Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr., widely known as "the Ryan Express," is one of the most iconic figures in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. Over a remarkable 27-year career, Ryan played for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers, establishing himself as one of the most dominant pitchers the game has ever seen. His longevity and consistency on the mound were unparalleled, and he became a symbol of endurance and excellence in professional baseball. After retiring in 1993, Ryan transitioned into executive roles, serving as the CEO of the Texas Rangers and later as an executive advisor to the Houston Astros. His contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.

Ryan's pitching style was defined by his extraordinary velocity, regularly throwing fastballs that exceeded 100 miles per hour. Even into his 40s, he maintained this elite speed, making him a formidable opponent for batters throughout his career. In addition to his fastball, Ryan possessed a devastating 12–6 curveball, which he threw with exceptional velocity for a breaking pitch. His ability to combine power and precision made him one of the most feared pitchers in the league, and his longevity allowed him to set numerous records that still stand today.

Among Ryan's most notable achievements is his MLB record of 5,714 career strikeouts, a staggering 839 more than the next closest pitcher, Randy Johnson. He also holds the record for the most no-hitters in MLB history, with seven, and is tied with Bob Feller for the most one-hitters, with 12. Despite these incredible accomplishments, Ryan never won a Cy Young Award, a fact often attributed to his high walk rate. Nevertheless, his dominance on the mound is undisputed, and his career win-loss record of 324–292, along with his .204 lifetime batting average against, further cements his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of all time.

Ryan's impact on the game extends beyond his playing career. He is one of only three players in MLB history to have his number retired by at least three teams, a testament to the respect and admiration he garnered throughout the league. His influence as a player and executive has left an indelible mark on the sport, and his name remains synonymous with excellence in pitching. Ryan's legacy continues to inspire future generations of baseball players and fans alike.

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