This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2015
The Strikeout King began his career with the New York Mets and was a member of the 1969 Miracle Mets team. Nolan Ryan did not make his mark in professional baseball until he completed his military service. After being traded to the California Angels, the real Nolan Ryan burst onto the scene.
While a California Angel, Nolan Ryan hurled four no-hitters and broke Sandy Koufax’s modern area 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.”
As the 1970s turned into the 1980s, Nolan Ryan returned home to Texas, signing with the Houston Astros and becoming baseball’s first one million dollar per year player. The 1980s were a decade of milestones for Nolan Ryan as he passed Walter Johnson’s all-time strikeout mark, broke Sandy Koufax major league-record four no-hitters, and struck out the 5,000th batter of his career.
Back home in Texas, Nolan Ryan wore this rainbow striped home shirt during the 1984-88 seasons. Issued as the white knit pullover with rounded tail, 3/4 sleeves, and double tackle twill “Astros” and “Star”. Goodman has been verified as the correct supplier for the era by comparison to other examples that have entered the hobby and the style was verified via available images. 1986 the Astros wore a sleeve patch and with no evidence of a patch present, 1986 was eliminated as a possible year.
Starting in 1984, the Houston Astros switched from Sand Knit supplier jerseys to Goodman & Sons. This shirt contains the 1971-84 version of the Goodman & Sons tagging. Ryan continued to wear Goodman & Sons shirts throughout this stay with the Astros.
The Goodman tagging is listed as a size 44, and measurement of the actual shirt confirms the tagged size matches the actual size of the shirt. Other examples of size 44 Ryan shirts examined by MEARS include:
Size 44: Review of the actual jersey also confirms that the tagged size matches actual size. The chest measurement (22”) and torso measurement (31”) are correct for a Goodman & Sons tagged size 44 product.
1981 Road (size 44)
1982 Alternate (size 44) MEARS #313245
1986 Home (size 44)
1988 Home (size 44)
1986 Alternate (size 44)
Game Wear: Shirt shows light to moderate game wear.
Nameplate Change: There is evidence of a nameplate change when examined on a light table.
Final Grade: Based on the nameplate change (minus 1) and the light wear, -1, this shirt grades a MEARS A8.
(75C0074)
(MEARS Auction LOA)