"A fierce competitor and one of baseball's most intimidating figures on the pitching mound for four decades. His overpowering fastball and unparalleled longevity produced 324 victories and a host of Major League records. Lifetime bechmarks include 5,714 strikeouts and 7 no-hitters in 27 seasons pitched...a Texas legend whose widespread popularity extended far beyond his native state." This is the legend of Nolan Ryan. The book brings you a first-hand account right from the warm-up bullpen with Nolan Ryan heating up, then photographs the Texas Rangers hero in all phases of his famous windup and delivery from a fan's on-field perspective. From Spring Training to "Nolan Ryan Day" in 1993, the reader is then taken through the last year of his storied career. The Texas Rangers said "Farewell to a Legend" in 1993 and then celebrated his Hall of Fame Induction in 1999, with "Nolan Ryan Weekend." In the years between, Nolan Ryan's jersey #34 is retired by both the Houston! Astros and Texas Rangers, an honorary statue is unveiled for permanent display by the Rangers, and a major airline names a plane after him, "The Nolan Ryan Express." Mr. Ryan is shown throwing out the first pitch at the new Ballpark in Arlington and at the 1995 All-Star game in Texas. The book ends with up-close press photographs of Nolan Ryan taken at the Hall of Fame Induction in Cooperstown, New York. The reader gets a great sense of being there. The entire text of Mr. Ryan's Hall of Fame speech is included. President George W. Bush is pictured in the book at various important events with his hero*, Nolan Ryan.
*When running for Governor of Texas, George W. Bush named Nolan Ryan as the person outside his family whom he most admired.
