The Best Nolan Ryan Baseball Cards

Nolan Ryan is considered by many to be the greatest pitcher in baseball history. He was a seven-time Cy Young Award winner and five-time MVP. Ryan also holds the record for most strikeouts in a career with 5,714. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Nolan Ryan’s impressive career and discuss why he is considered to be one of the best pitchers ever and we will take a close look at the best Nolan Ryan baseball cards.

Nolan Ryan was born on January 31, 1947 in Refugio, Nolan Ryan was born on January 31, 1947 in Refugio, Texas . He grew up playing baseball and eventually attended Alvin Community College , where he played for the school’s team. In 1966, the New York Mets drafted Nolan Ryan with the first overall pick. He made his major league debut later that year and had an impressive rookie season, going 11-12 with a Ryan also holds the record for most strikeouts in a career with. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Nolan Ryan’s impressive career and discuss why he is considered to be one of the best pitchers ever.

What Are The Best Nolan Ryan Baseball Cards?


1.) 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan Baseball Card #177

1968 Topps Nolan Ryan

Overview

The 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan is the rookie card of the legend. It contains Nolan Ryan with a head shot along with another rookie pitcher named Jerry Koosman.

1968 Topps Baseball Card Facts

  • Set consists of 598 cards.
  • Each card measures 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″.
  • The cards feature a large photo of each player inside of a burlap fabric or wood type frame.
  • Subsets include: Word Series, All-Stars, as well as rookie cards and checklists.
  • Even though the border is unique, it is unfortunately susceptible to chipping and wear.

Pricing

PSA GradePrice
PSA 5 EX$1000
PSA 6 EX-MT$1500
PSA 7 NM$2750
PSA 8 NM-MT$8000
PSA 9 MT$90,000
psacard.com Jan-2022

Season Summary

Nolan Ryan did not play in the MLB in 1967 so there are no stats to talk about. But this rare gem has been known to command a price of over $100,000 at auction. A 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card is popular among collectors not only for its rarity, but also because it represents an important piece of baseball history.


2.) 1969 Topps Baseball Card #533

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan

Overview

The 1968 Topps Nolan Ryan features him posing like a pitcher in a full color picture wearing his Met’s uniform. The card has a bold purple circle at the top with his name and position and the team name at the bottom of the card in bold yellow all caps fonts.

1969 Topps Baseball Card Facts

  • Set consists of 664 cards.
  • Each card measures 2 1/2 x 3 1/2.
  • Large number of variations bringing the card set to nearly 700 cards.
  • White letter and yellow letter variations #440-511.
  • Subsets include: League Leaders, World Series, All Stars.
  • Does not include team sets.
  • Inserted into packs that year were 33 additional “Deckle Edge” cards.
  • Inserted 48 smaller 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 Topps Decals.

Pricing

PSA GradePrice
PSA 5 EX$125
PSA 6 EX-MT$200
PSA 7 NM$400
PSA 8 NM-MT$1200
PSA 9 MT$7500
psacard.com Jan-2022

1968 Season Summary

During the 21 year old Nolan Ryan’s rookie season he started 18 games and had a respectable 3.09 ERA for the season. In 134 innings pitches he also notched 133 strikeouts. A very respectable rookie season for Nolan Ryan.


3.) 1970 Topps Nolan Ryan #712

1970 Topps Nolan Ryan

Overview

The 1970 Topps Nolan Ryan has a nice full color photo with a white frame and gray border. The team name at the top in bold white along with his name and position printed at the bottom of the card. Nolan Ryan is wearing his white uniform with blue Mets pinstripes and is in a pitcher pose for the photo. Nolan Ryan is featured on a high number card, making it even more difficult to find.

1970 Topps Baseball Card Facts

  • Set consists of 720 cards.
  • Each card measures 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″.
  • Subsets include: League Leaders, National and American League Playoffs, World Series, and All Stars.
  • Team cards return.
  • High numbered cards #533-720 are more difficult to get because there is less of a run on those cards.

Pricing

PSA GradePrice
PSA 6 EX-MT$300
PSA 7 NM$475
PSA 8 NM-MT$900
PSA 9 MT$4750
psacard.com Jan-2022

1969 Season Summary

The 1970 Topps Nolan Ryan was created shortly after his 1969 World Series win with the New York Mets. In 1969 Nolan Ryan was used as a spot starter and reliever because he did not make the starting rotation. He also dealt with a lot of blisters on his throwing hand that led him to soaking his fingers in pickle brine (technique was questioned by his team).


4.) 1971 Topps Nolan Ryan #513

1971 Topps Nolan Ryan

Overview

The 1971 Topps Nolan Ryan baseball cards features an in action pose of him pitching within a thin white frame that is then surrounded by a black border. The team name is in orange at the top, name printed in blue, and position printed in white. This cards also include a facsimile autograph at the bottom of the image. This would be the last card of Nolan Ryan in a Mets uniform.

1971 Topps Baseball Card Facts

  • Set consists of 752 cards.
  • Each card measures 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
  • Black borders are very susceptible to wear and chipping.
  • Subsets include: Statistical Leaders, World Series Highlights, and Playoff Highlights
  • High number cards #644-752 are very scarce and about half of those being short printed.

Pricing

PSA GradePrice
PSA 6 EX-MT$60
PSA 7 NM$150
PSA 8 NM-MT$425
PSA 8.5 NM-MT+$1200
PSA 9 MT$6500
psacard.com Jan-2022

1970 Season Summary

Nolan Ryan made progress in 1970. He was able to start 19 games at age 23 with an ERA of 3.42. Not his greatest season, and in fact, his strikeouts per nine innings fell to 8.5, but he made progress. On April 18, 1970 Nolan Ryan tied a Mets record by striking out 15 batters in one game (was broken 4 days later by Tom Seaver).


5.) 1972 Topps Nolan Ryan #595

1972 Topps Nolan Ryan

Overview

The 1972 Topps Nolan Ryan features a full color photo head shot with a very serious look. The border is also full of color with its tri-color and arch shape for the team name, which is now the Angels. Around the color border is a white border. The players name is shown on a white background but inside of an oval color circle. The photo of Nolan Ryan wearing the classic halo logo probably took some getting used to for some of the Mets faithful, but it was just the beginning of his hall of fame career.

1972 Topps Baseball Card Facts

  • Set consists of 787 cards (largest Topps issue).
  • Each card measures 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″.
  • There are more than six dozen “In Action” cards that show in action shots.
  • High numbers #526-787 are more difficult to find.

Pricing

PSA GradePrice
PSA 6 EX-MT$40
PSA 7 NM$65
PSA 8 NM-MT$150
PSA 9 MT$950
PSA 10 GEM-MT$6500
psacard.com Jan-2022

1971 Season Summary

The 1971 season for Nolan Ryan was an improvement on his number of starts of 26, but his ERA rose to a career high of 3.97. But learning the curveball took a little while to develop, but by the end of the season his extraordinary curveball delighted fans and devastated batters.


6.) 1973 Topps Nolan Ryan

1973 Topps Nolan Ryan

Overview

The 1973 Topps Nolan Ryan features a nice image of Nolan posing at the start of his windup. The bottom right shows a pitcher silhouette in black with an orange circle. Surrounding the image is a black border that is inside of the white card background.

1973 Topps Baseball Card Facts

  • Set consists of 660 cards.
  • Each card measures 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″.
  • Last time Topps released a set as a series, therefore making this the final sets to feature any high number cards.
  • Subsets include: League Leaders, World Series, Kid Pictures, Rookies, and All Time Leaders.

Pricing

PSA GradePrice
PSA 7 NM$50
PSA 8 NM-MT$150
PSA 9 MT$900
PSA 10 GEM-MT$15,000
psacard.com Jan-2022

1972 Season Summary

The 1973 Topps card came out right after his first breakout season of his career in 1972 where he achieved an incredible 329 strikeouts. That was the fourth highest strikeout total in the 20th century. Even though the Angels did not do particularly well, Nolan still managed to get 19 wins and post and incredible 2.28 ERA. Yes he was finally able to be a full time starter and look what happens. Big mistake by the Mets trading this hall of fame pitcher. Nolan Ryan also pitched an immaculate inning on July 9, 1972 by striking out three batters on 9 pitches.


7.) 1974 Topps Nolan Ryan #20

1974 Topps Nolan Ryan

Overview

The 1974 Topps card of Nolan Ryan shows him in an in action photo in the middle of his windup. The photo is inside a grayish border that then has pink like ribbons that show the team city and name (California Angels). The position and name is in black and contained on the white border of the card itself.

1974 Topps Baseball Card Facts

  • Set consists of 660 cards.
  • Each card measures 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″.
  • First time the set was released all at once instead of in separate series.
  • All cards were made in equal quantities therefore no short prints or high numbers.
  • Subsets include: Managers, Statistical Leaders, Playoff Highlights, World Series Highlights, Multi Player Rookie Cards, and All Stars.

Pricing

PSA GradePrice
PSA 7 NM$25
PSA 8 NM-MT$75
PSA 9 MT$550
PSA 10 GEM-MT$7500
psacard.com Jan-2022

1973 Season Summary

In 1973 Nolan Ryan had 21 wins to go along with a very good 2.87 ERA. He also had his best strikeouts per nine inning at 10.6, which explains his 383 strikeouts (MLB AL record) that season. Nolan Ryan proved his pitching talent even more by throwing two no hitters. He finished second in Cy Young voting to Jim Palmer.


8.) 1975 Topps Nolan Ryan #500

1975 Topps Nolan Ryan

Overview

The 1975 Topps Nolan Ryan cards features bright full two color borders with an image of Nolan Ryan posing. Keeping these cards very colorful, the team name is in color at the top with the players name in white at the bottom. There is a small baseball that contains the position printed on the inside. This card also contains a facsimile autograph like a lot of cards in the past.

1975 Topps Baseball Card Facts

  • Set consists of 660 cards.
  • Each card measures 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
  • Subsets include: Recently Retired Legends and 4 Player Rookie Cards

Pricing

PSA GradePrice
PSA 7 NM$20
PSA 8 NM-MT$50
PSA 9 MT$400
PSA 10 GEM-MT$26,500
psacard.com Jan-2022

1974 Season Summary

Nolan Ryan’s 1974 season was highlighted by 22 wins, 367 strikeouts, and a 2.89 ERA. He also added one more no hitter to make it three for his career. On June 14, 1974 Nolan Ryan threw 235 pitches, struck out 19 and gave up 10 walks getting a no decision. And during a game September 7, 1974, Nolan Ryan became the first pitcher to have his pitch speed measured during a game and clocked a ninth inning fastball at 100.8 miles an hour. This exceeded Bob Feller’s 98.6 that was the previous fastest pitch ever thown.


9.) 1975 Topps Mini Nolan Ryan #500

1975 Topps Mini Nolan Ryan

Overview

Exactly like the 1975 full size card, this one is the exact same but smaller.

1975 Topps Mini Baseball Card Facts

  • Set consists of 660 cards.
  • Each card measures 2 1/2″ x 3 1/8″.
  • These were available exclusively in Michigan and on the West Coast.
  • Meant to gauge fan response to a smaller card.
  • They were identical to the full size cards down to the wrappers themselves.

Pricing

PSA GradePrice
PSA 7 NM$45
PSA 8 NM-MT$135
PSA 9 MT$900
psacard.com Jan-2022

10.) 1974 Topps Deckle Edge #41

1974 Topps Deckle Edge Nolan Ryan

Overview

The 1974 Topps Deckle Edge cards have a black and white photo of Nolan Ryan with a scalloped “deckle” border. There is also a facsimile signature.

1974 Topps Deckle Edge Card Facts

  • Set consists of 72 cards.
  • Each card measures 2 7/8″ x 5″.
  • Back of the cards are either white or gray, and the white back are more difficult to obtain.
  • This set was a test that was issued in limited quantities throughout Massachusetts.
  • Uncut sheets can be found.

Pricing

PSA GradePrice
PSA 7 NM$750
PSA 8 NM-MT$1100
PSA 9 MT$2200
psacard.com Jan-2022

11.) 1976 Topps Nolan Ryan #330

1976 Topps Nolan Ryan

Overview

The 1976 Topps Nolan Ryan has a high quality color photo with a small action figure showing a pitcher in the bottom left side of the card. There is a yellow border around the photo, and at the bottom, there are two bold rectangle colors. Pink with the name in white and yellow with the team name in black.

1976 Topps Baseball Card Facts

  • Set consists of 660 cards.
  • Each card measures 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″.
  • Subsets, or specialty cards, include: Rookies, All-Time Leaders, League Leaders, Father and Son, and ’75 Records.
  • Cards were printed in a single series in equal quantities, eliminating “Short Prints”.
  • Better quality control was put in place, therefore no major errors or variations in this set.

Pricing

PSA GradePrice
PSA 7 NM$20
PSA 8 NM-MT$40
PSA 9 MT$300
PSA 10 GEM-MT$5250

1975 Season Summary

Nolan Ryan made his third all star appearance even though his innings were down to 198 IP and his ERA rose to 3.45 thanks to an injury shortened season to remove bone chips from his right elbow.. But he was still able to get his fourth no hitter of his career.


12.) 1977 Topps Nolan Ryan #650

1977 Topps Nolan Ryan

Overview

The 1977 Topps Nolan Ryan features a full color image along with a facsimile autograph. There is a border consisting of a black line around the picture. At the top of the card there is the team name in pink and the player’s name in green. The position is shown in yellow inside of a pennant.

1977 Topps Baseball Card Facts

  • Set consists of 660 cards.
  • Each card measures 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″.
  • Subsets include: Rookies, Big League Brothers, Turn Back The Clock, World Series, and League Leaders.

Pricing

PSA GradePrice
PSA 7 NM$15
PSA 8 NM-MT$35
PSA 9 MT$225
PSA 10 GEM-MT$4000

1976 Season Summary

In 1976 Nolan Ryan had his fourth season with 300 or more strikeouts. He also had 17 wins, but also 18 losses. People were unsure if he would be back to being a dominant pitcher because of injuries last year. But he came back with power and showed he was still the best pitcher in baseball at that time.


13.) 1978 Topps Nolan Ryan #400

1978 Topps Nolan Ryan

Overview

The 1978 Topps Nolan Ryan baseball cards contains a full color large photo holding his arms up like he is starting his pitch. The photo is inside of a green border with the team name in pink and cursive writing. At the bottom in black is the players name. At the top is a tiny baseball with the position shown inside.

1978 Topps Baseball Card Facts

  • Set consists of 726 cards.
  • Each card measures 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″.
  • Subsets include: Playoffs, World Series, Statistical Leaders, and Baseball Records.
  • One row of cards for every sheet was double printed to accommodate the 726 card set, therefore 66 cards are more common.

Pricing

PSA GradePrice
PSA 8 NM-MT$40
PSA 9 MT$900
PSA 10 GEM-MT$13,500

1977 Season Summary

In 1977 30 year old Nolan Ryan made his fourth all star appearance after leading the league with 22 complete games, 341 strikeouts and lowest hits per nine innings of 6.0. To go along with those numbers he also had 19 wins and 4 shutouts.


14.) 1979 Topps Nolan Ryan

1979 Topps Nolan Ryan

Overview

The 1979 Topps Nolan Ryan baseball cards has a full color large photo of him holding his glove over his head like he is about to pitch. At the bottom of the card is the team name in red inside of a yellow ribbon. Above that is the player name and position in green. This year Topps also included their logo inside of a baseball on the bottom left of the card.

1979 Topps Baseball Card Facts

  • Set consists of 726 cards
  • Each card measures 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″
  • Subsets include: Career Records, League Records, and Statistical Leaders.

Pricing

PSA GradePrice
PSA 8 NM-MT$20
PSA 9 MT$120
PSA 10 GEM-MT$2750

1978 Season Summary

In 1978 Nolan Ryan lead the league with 260 strikeouts and average strikeouts per nine innings at 10.0. Other than that it was somewhat of a down year for the hall of famer. He had a 10 – 13 record with a 3.72 ERA.


15.) 1980 Topps Nolan Ryan #115

1980 Topps Nolan Ryan

Overview

The 1980 Topps Nolan Ryan consists of a full color image with a pink border. At the top of the card it shows in purple that he was an All Star. The team name is written at the bottom right of the card inside of a ribbon. Name is at the top along with position inside of a pink ribbon.

1980 Topps Baseball Card Facts

  • Set consists of 726 cards.
  • Each card measures 2 1/2″ x 3 1/2″.
  • Subsets include: League Leaders and Highlights.

Pricing

PSA GradePrice
PSA 8 NM-MT$45
PSA 9 MT$300
PSA 10 GEM-MT$8000

1979 Season Summary

In 1979 Nolan Ryan made his fifth all star appearance and led the league in strikeouts again. He posted a 16 – 14 record with a 3.60 ERA. Ryan also finally made the playoffs for the first time with the Angels but they were eliminated after four games and he only had one start. After the season Nolan Ryan became a free agent and left the Angels for the Houston Astros.


What Is The Best Nolan Ryan Baseball Card?

It’s a pretty obvious choice that the best Nolan Ryan baseball cards is his 1968 rookie card. Not only is it his best card, but also probably the best card of the 1960’s. In fact it is regarded as one of the most recognizable and most valuable cards in the hobby. In August of 2020 a PSA 10 GEM MT version sold for $600,000.

Wrap Up

Nolan Ryan was one of the most feared and greatest pitchers ever to pitch in Major League Baseball. He holds records for most strikeouts (5714) and most career no-hitters (7). And the way starting pitchers are restricted these days, those records will stand for a long time.

(Nolan) Ryan’s the only guy who puts fear in me. Not because he could get me out, but because he could kill me. You just hoped to mix in a walk so you could have a good night and go 0-for-3.

Reggie Jackson