Nolan Ryan was born on January 31, 1947, in Refugio, Texas, United States. His birth name is Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr., and he is widely known by his nickname, The Ryan Express. He is the youngest child of Martha Lee Hancock Ryan and Lynn Nolan Ryan Sr., and grew up with four sisters and one brother. Ryan developed a strong work ethic early on, helping his father deliver The Houston Post. These formative years set the groundwork for what would become one of the most legendary careers in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Introduction to Baseball

Ryan began playing baseball at the age of nine in the Alvin Little League. Demonstrating remarkable talent early on, he pitched his first no-hitter a few years later, hinting at the extraordinary future ahead of him on the mound.

Education and Early Recognition

He attended Alvin High School, where he played for the school’s baseball team under coach Jim Watson. During his time there, he set a pitching record that stood for 44 years. In 1963, during a game against Clear Creek High School, he caught the attention of John Robert Murff, a scout for the New York Mets—an observation that would change the course of Ryan’s life and career.

Professional Baseball Career

In 1965, two years after being scouted, Nolan Ryan was drafted by the New York Mets. He began his professional journey with the Marion Mets of the Appalachian League. In 1966, he made his MLB debut with the New York Mets, becoming one of the youngest players in the league at the time. In 1967, he temporarily put his career on hold to fulfill a six-month obligation with the Army Reserve.

Ryan made a significant impact in the 1968 season, helping lead the Mets to victory over the Baltimore Orioles in the World Series. That same year also marked his first full season in the majors. His exceptional speed and strikeout capability earned him the nickname The Ryan Express from the New York press.