Nolan Ryan is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time and his baseball cards are some of the most coveted in the hobby. With over 27 years playing professional baseball spanning from 1966-1993, Ryan amassed numerous impressive pitching records and accomplishments. This longevity led to Ryan being featured on baseball cards from many different card companies over several decades, making some of his cards quite valuable today. Here are some of the best and most desirable Nolan Ryan baseball cards to look out for:
1966 Topps Nolan Ryan Rookie Card (RC): As Ryan’s first major league card issued by Topps in their 1966 set, his rookie is one of the true Holy Grails for collectors. Only about 10 gem mint PSA 10 graded examples are known to exist. Even in lower grades, it remains extremely expensive fetching tens of thousands in average condition. The iconic photo of a young Ryan windmilling his arm captures the beginning of what would become a legendary career.
1973 Topps Nolan Ryan: This card marks Ryan’s first 300 strikeout season in 1972 and captures him in an Astros uniform. It was during this early 1970s period that Ryan began establishing the records that would make him famous such as strikeouts. High grade versions can sell for over $1000 due to the card’s iconic imagery and importance in chronicling Ryan’s development into a superstar.
1974 Topps Nolan Ryan: Ryan’s 1974 campaign was one of his most dominant as he struck out 367 batters, a single season record that still stands today. This card nicely depicts that amazing season and is one of the more iconic images of Ryan’s career. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $3000.
1977 Topps Nolan Ryan: Ryan’s 1977 season was one of the best of his career as he went 19-9 with a 2.77 ERA and 343 strikeouts split between the Angels and Astros. This card captured Ryan in an Angels uniform, his first with the team. It remains a highly popular and valuable issue in high grades due to Ryan’s outstanding performance that year.
1980 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan: In 1980, Ryan was traded from the Angels to the Houston Astros during the season. Topps issued this “traded” card to depict Ryan’s new uniform. It stands out for being one of the earliest “traded” cards produced. High grades have sold for over $1000.
1984 Donruss Nolan Ryan: The 1984 Donruss set featured some of the best action photography of the entire 1980s. Ryan’s card perfectly captured the intensity of his delivery and at age 37, he was still in his prime striking out 230 that season. It remains one of the most iconic card images of his career. PSA 10s have sold for over $2000.
1988 Fleer Nolan Ryan: Ryan’s final 20 win and 232 strikeout season at age 41 is commemorated on this late 1980s Fleer issue. It was an incredible campaign showing he was still among the elite pitchers in the game despite his advanced age. The card highlights his legendary status and durability in the sunset of his career. PSA 10s have sold for over $1000.
1991 Upper Deck Nolan Ryan: Upper Deck’s magnificent 1991 set featured some of the best photography and production quality of any issue. Ryan’s card is a stand-out highlighting his intensity on the mound even at age 44 when he was in his final season. It captures the aura and mystique he had built up over his legendary career. PSA 10s have topped $2000.
In addition to his regular issue cards, Ryan has several valuable oddball, parallel and serial numbered cards that can fetch premium prices as well. Some examples include 1987 Fleer Update Gold Border parallel, 1992 Fleer Ultra Gold parallel, and various serial numbered prospects issues from the early 1970s. With such an epic career spanning so many years, Nolan Ryan has provided collectors with some of the most iconic baseball cards in the hobby chronicling one of the true legends of the sport. His cards remain highly sought after by both casual fans and serious investors alike.
In summary, Nolan Ryan’s immense talent, durability, and record-breaking career has made his baseball cards some of the most historically significant and valuable in the hobby. From his rookie to his final seasons, Ryan’s cards captured some of the most impressive pitching performances in MLB history. For collectors looking to add a true piece of baseball memorabilia to their collections, high quality examples of Ryan’s best cards should be at the top of the list. As one of the all-time greats, interest in Nolan Ryan is unlikely to fade and his cards may even continue appreciating over time as his legend grows.
