The Ryan Express’s Best Cards to Collect
For 27 seasons, Nolan Ryan left batters bewildered, notched victories, and inspired generations of pitchers aiming to replicate the hard-throwing, gritty style that defined him. Even long after his playing days, the sports cards featuring this Texas native continue to narrate a story that culminated with an illustrious spot, among the game’s absolute greats in Cooperstown. With an MLB-record 5,714 strikeouts, 324 wins, and seven no-hitters under his belt, Ripped couldn’t resist taking a moment to honor this legendary career through some of his top cards.
Top Nolan Ryan Cards #s 10-5
10: 2022 Stadium Club #23 Nolan Ryan
If we were to rank trading cards based on how wholesome they appeared, the 2022 Stadium Club #23 Nolan Ryan would undoubtedly be a strong contender for the title of “Most Wholesome.” In fact, it might just top the list. Take a moment to look at it – here’s a true Texan, sporting a warm, Texas-sized grin, complete with a classic cowboy hat, all while sharing the frame with man’s best friend. Could a trading card get any more wholesome than this? It’s almost hard to believe that this is the same guy who once famously put Robin Ventura in a headlock.
9: 1986 Mother’s Cookies #23 Nolan Ryan
Mother’s Cookies, a company that cleverly used trading cards to boost its cookie brand, gave us some real gems, and among them, the 1986 Mother’s Cookies #23 Nolan Ryan stands out as an absolute beauty. If we were to talk about artsy cards, this one would undoubtedly top the list. I wouldn’t blame anyone for investing in a few boxes of cookies just for the chance to lay their hands on this bad boy.
8: 1993 Topps Finest #107 Nolan Ryan Refractor
At the ripe age of 46, yes, you read that right, 46! Nolan Ryan decided to hang up his glove and call it a career. Remarkably, in that very same year, the Hall of Fame pitcher graced us with his first and, as it turned out, his last refractor card – the 1993 Topps Finest #107 Nolan Ryan Refractor. This card holds a special place in the hearts of Rangers fans, and a significant part of its appeal stems from the fact that it was one of the final cards produced during Ryan’s illustrious playing career. It’s a true collector’s gem.
7: 2006 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball #AGA-NR Nolan Ryan Framed Mini Auto
The 2006 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball #AGA-NR Nolan Ryan Framed Mini Auto is a limited edition card, numbered to just 50 copies. However, due to the popularity of the set it originates from, it’s not entirely impossible to come across. Nevertheless, it’s essential to note that this card is on the expensive side for autos. Still well worth the hunt!
6: 1972 Topps #595 Nolan Ryan
In 1972, Ryan took his talents from New York to the West Coast, joining the Angels. The change of scenery worked wonders for the hard-throwing hurdler, who earned his first All-Star selection. The design of the 1972 Topps #595 Nolan Ryan is unique to the 1972 set, having never been duplicated. That only increases the allure of the card, and a PSA 10 sold for $45,600 in July 2022. This is worth the hunt.
Nolan Ryan’s Top Cards Pt. 2
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