Nolan Ryan is considered one of the most intimidating and dominant pitchers to ever step on a mound. Over 27 seasons from 1966-1993, Ryan amassed a record 5,714 strikeouts and threw seven no-hitters – both of which are still MLB records. It’s no surprise then that Ryan has some of the most sought after and valuable baseball cards in the hobby. Here’s a look at what I consider to be the top 25 Nolan Ryan cards based on condition, scarcity, and demand:
1988 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (#TT-2) – Ryan’s first year with the Astros after spending time with the Angels and Mets. This traded set features star players who were dealt to new teams that season. It’s a nice mid-80s Ryan issue in the traditional Topps design.
1990 Topps Nolan Ryan (#144) – One of Ryan’s later issued cards near the end of his career. It shows him rounding third base after hitting a home run for the Rangers. A solid card from the late stages of his legendary career.
1986 Topps Nolan Ryan (#526) – One of Ryan’s many flagship Topps cards issued during his time with the Astros. He’s pictured slinging a pitch with an intense glare. A common card but still highly recognized from the 1980s.
1984 Topps Nolan Ryan (#534) – Another Houston Astros issue where he’s gripping the ball poised to release another blistering fastball. Nice on-field action shot from his early Astros days.
1989 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (#T109) – The Traded set was a perfect fit to showcase Ryan’s first year with the Rangers after being dealt from the Astros. Colorful Traded cards from the late 80s are very collectible.
1990 Classic Nolan Ryan – The infamous Classic set from 1990 featured past and present all-stars on a postcard-styled design. Ryan’s issue shows him delivering a pitch for the Rangers. Tough to grade high but a unique vintage card.
1974 Topps Nolan Ryan (#640) – One of Ryan’s earliest flagship Topps cards issued during his Angel years. He’s pictured windning up to throw. Key very early Ryan card from his breakout seasons in California.
1979 Topps Nolan Ryan (#582) – Really nice action shot of Ryan rocketing a fastball for the Angels. One of his most recognizable 70s issued cards in the traditional yellow bordered design.
1991 Upper Deck Nolan Ryan (#84) – Upper Deck burst onto the scene in 1991 with its premiere set and snapped up Nolan Ryan early in his career with the Rangers. Great picture quality makes this a highly coveted early UD issue.
1991 Upper Deck Nolan Ryan Hall of Fame – This parallel insert shows Ryan in a Rangers cap tipping his cap upon enshrinement into the Hall of Fame. Super short printed for the time and captured a huge milestone moment for Ryan.
1992 Fleer Ultra Nolan Ryan (#79) – One of the best looking Fleer Ultra cards ever made in my opinion. Crisp close-up of Ryan glaring in on the mound. Tough carbon-like stock captures all the action.
1982 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (#T91) – Key Traded issue released during Ryan’s first season with the Astros after being dealt from the Angels. Possibly the most identifiable card from his early Houston days.
1968 Topps Nolan Ryan (#500) – One of the earliest flagship Topps cards of Ryan as he broke into the league with the Mets. Shows great promise even as a rookie. Key extremely early Ryan issue.
1973 Topps Nolan Ryan (#591) – Iconic action shot of Ryan hurling a pitch for the Angels. Considered one of his best and most classic posed Topps cards issued in the 1970s.
1973 Topps Nolan Ryan Record Breaker – Fantastic short print insert from 1973 Topps Highlights set commemorating Ryan breaking the single season strikeout record that year. Extremely scarce parallel issue.
1986 Fleer Update Nolan Ryan – This popular Fleer Update set featured star players performances from that season. Ryan’s card portrays him dealing for the Astros that year after his record-breaking season.
1987 Topps Tiffany Nolan Ryan – Luxurious higher-end Tiffany set parallel cards were hugely popular. Ryan glaring in is a stand-out from this elite 23 karat gold embossed edition. Iconic late 80s high-end parallel.
1975 Topps Traded Nolan Ryan (#T85) – Key mid-70s Traded set card showing Ryan’s huge impact after transitioning to the Angels. Posed shot was one of his earliest with California.
1980 Topps Nolan Ryan (#610) – Mainly a highly iconic card for capturing Ryan mowing down batters during arguably his best season. Highly recognized issued during peak of his career.
1976 SSPC Nolan Ryan – The rare but coveted 1976 SSPC set included true action shots of the game’s biggest stars. Ryan’s issue portrays him launching a pitch and shows why it was ahead of its time in photography.
1987 Fleer Update Nolan Ryan – Wonderful action shot of Ryan rocketing a pitch for the final out of his record-setting 5th career no-hitter that season. Captures a truly historic milestone moment.
1989 Topps Nolan Ryan – Striking posed card released during Ryan’s first season with the Rangers shows why he was still an intimidating force so late in his career. Highly recognized late 80s issue.
1988 Fleer Nolan Ryan – Perfect blend of iconic subject, stunning photography, and tremendous rarity. Close-up captures Ryan’s legendary intensity on the mound. Elite Fleer issue near the pinnacle of his career.
1990 Collector’s Choice Nolan Ryan – Widely regarded as the best baseball card photography ever. Ryan exploding towards home in a way no other card has captured before or since. Crowning achievement of his on-field greatness.
1966 Topps Nolan Ryan RC – The elusive and iconic rookie card that started it all. Fantastic first glimpse of the flamethrower breaking in with the Mets. Keys to any vintage collection and among the most desirable sports cards ever made.
In summary – Nolan Ryan dominated the mound like no other and his extraordinary career is superbly chronicled through some of the greatest and most visually striking baseball cards ever. From his early days with the Mets and Angels, to peak years with the Astros and Rangers, Ryan left an indelible mark on the sport that’s still admired today through vintage cardboard archives. His top cards remain some of the most collectible and highly valued in the industry.
