Nolan Ryan established himself as one of baseball’s fiercest competitors during his Major League Baseball career from 1966 to 1993. His years pitching for the Houston Astros from 1980 to 1988 were some of his most prolific and memorable. In 1985, Ryan dominated on the mound at age 38 while also achieving several major career milestones. As a result, his baseball cards from 1985 are highly coveted by collectors today.
1985 was Ryan’s 19th season in the big leagues and his sixth with the Astros. He was already considered a legend for his blazing fastball and record-setting strikeouts. However, 1985 would prove to be one of Ryan’s most impressive seasons statistically. He made 35 starts, completing 8 of them, and pitched a league-leading 276 innings. Ryan’s earned run average was an excellent 2.68 and he allowed just 206 hits over the course of the year.
Most impressively, Ryan struck out 270 batters in 1985, easily leading the National League and surpassing his previous single-season record of 283 Ks set in 1981. This new mark of 270 strikeouts stood as a new MLB single-season record. Ryan became just the second pitcher in MLB history to reach the 4,000 career strikeout plateau, further cementing his status as one of the greatest strikeout pitchers of all time.
Ryan’s dominant performance and career milestones in 1985 made his baseball cards from that season some of the most noteworthy and desirable in the hobby. Some of the top Ryan cards from 1985 include:
1985 Topps Nolan Ryan (#138): Ryan’s main base card from the flagship Topps set. Featured an action photo of Ryan mid-pitch. This is one of the most iconic Ryan cards and a key piece for any collection. Graded mint condition examples can fetch $100+ today.
1985 Donruss Nolan Ryan (#110): Another prominent base card, this time from the competing Donruss set. Similar action pose to the Topps issue. Still widely available but earns $10-15 depending on condition.
1985 Fleer Nolan Ryan (#316): The third major base card release. Ryan is depicted glaring intensely off the card’s surface. Near the $10-15 range like his Donruss issue.
1985 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (#T60): Part of Topps’ special traded set issue. Showed Ryan readying his windup. More scarce than the base cards and can earn $25-30 or more graded.
1985 O-Pee-Chee Nolan Ryan (#138): Canadian variation of the Topps base card. Slightly thicker stock and French/English writing make it a true variation. Still affordable at $5-10 but intriguing for collectors.
1985 Sportflics Top Strikeout Kings Nolan Ryan insert: Commemorated Ryan breaking the all-time single season K record. Bright red design. Can fetch $50-75 in high grade due to the subject matter marking a huge career moment.
No player statistics or accolades in 1985 cemented Ryan’s cards from that year as truly iconic in the hobby. His record-setting season performances and milestones made him one of the most notable players featured that year. 35 years later, 1985 Nolan Ryan cards remain some of the most recognizable and sought-after issues for Astros, Ryan and baseball card collectors everywhere due to everything Ryan accomplished during that amazing campaign. Whether seeking base cards or valuable insert variations, 1985 remains the definitive year for collectors pursuing one of the most legendary pitchers in MLB history.
