(LOT 314)
1989 Nolan Ryan's 5,000 Strikeout - PSA Type 1 Encapsulated Associated Press Photo – Measures Approx. 8" x 10" – Includes PSA Type 1 LOA
Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan is certainly one of the greatest pitchers who ever lived. His 5,714 strikeouts and 7 no-hitters are records that will, arguably, never be broken, and his reputation as one of the game's true immortals was solidified when he was voted as the starting pitcher on baseball's team of the century. On August 22, 1989, Nolan Ryan would once again etch his name in baseball history when in the top of the 5th inning, he fanned Rickey Henderson on a 3-2 "96 mph" fastball to record his 5,000th career strikeout! After this historic "K", the game would be stopped to play a videotaped message from President George H.W. Bush who saluted the fire-balling right-hander. While Ryan would end the game by striking out 13 batters, he would unfortunately lose 2-0, with Rickey Henderson telling the N.Y. Times "it was an honor to be Ryan's 5,000th strikeout victim." This sparkling 8" x 10" offering portrays the immortal Ryan tipping his cap to the Ranger's fans after striking out Henderson for his 5,000th lifetime "K", and you can literally feel Nolan's humble and almost embarrassed sentiment as he attempts to reciprocate the love and adoration the fans are bestowing upon him. Revealing impeccable clarity and contrast, the black & white image has eluded any serious blemishes, depicting only a wide left border. The flipside includes the Associated Press credit stamp as well as a critical caption detailing the 5,000th strikeout event. Before retiring at the age of 46, Ryan would go on to post another 714 K's, ending his unparalleled career with a seemingly unbreakable record of 5,714 strikeouts, an incredible 839 higher than his closest competitor Randy Johnson!

MIN BID $200
_