Ryan Nolan

American baseball pitcher known as the fastest in history, able to throw a ball clocked at 100.8 mph. Right-handed, he played with the New York Mets (1966, 1968–1971), California Angels (1972–1979), Houston Astros (1980–1988), and the Texas Rangers (1989–1993). He was scouted by the New York Mets from high school, starting his major league career on 11 September 1966, and traded to the Angels 1972-79, playing with the Houston Astros from 1980. With fierce determination, he had spectacular results. In 1973-75 he pitched four no-hit games and held the major-league record for strikeouts in a season (383). By the close of his career on 26 September 1993, he had carved out a formidable niche in the annals of baseball, with seven no-hitters, 12 one-hitters and 5,714 strikeouts. Ryan married in 1967; a son, the first of his three kids, was born in 1972 and he proved himself a strong, honest, caring family man. Shrewdly investing, he accumulated two banks and four ranches to become a multimillionaire. Each year he donates his time and money to various worthy causes. He is the author of an autobiography, "Miracle Man." Link to Wikipedia biography Read less