Nolan Ryan

Once every few decades, a pitcher
comes along with a trademark fastball
and/or curveball good enough to earn
a lasting place in America’s hearts.
In the 1970’s and 80’s, that pitcher
was Nolan Ryan, known for his high-speed
heater and his laws-of-physics-defying
12-6 curveball.  The record-holder for strikeouts
with 5,714 over a stunning 27-year career,
this Texas titan was elected to the
National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.