1977 Topps Baseball #650 - Nolan Ryan

• Nolan Ryan had one of his typical seasons in 1977. Ryan led the AL in strikeouts (341), walks (204), wild pitches (21), and complete games (22).
• Before the 1977 season Ryan signed a three-year contract and was happy with the terms.
• At the All Star break Ryan had 13 wins but was bypassed for the All Star team in favor of teammate Frank Tanana. Tanana was unable to play due to injury and manager Billy Martin tried to add Ryan to the team. Ryan refused to go and Martin wasn't happy about it.
• 1977 Stats: 19-16, 2.77 ERA, 341 strikeouts in 37 starts
• 1977 Highlights:
• April 15 - Came within one batter of pitching his fifth no-hitter. Bob Stinson's 5th inning single was the only hit in the game for the Seattle Mariners. The Angels won the game 7-0.
• June 8 - Struck out 19 batters in 10 innings and got a no decision. The Angels beat the Toronto Blue Jays 2-1 in 13 innings.
• July 12 - Won his 12th game of the year by pitching a 4-hit shutout against the Minnesota Twins. During the game Ryan passed Juan Marichal for #19 on the all-time strikeout list.
• Other card blogs: 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1974, 1975, 1975, 1975, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1982, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1993