A no-hitter is a game in which a pitcher prevents the opposing team from recording a single hit. Although it’s a rare feat, with only 326 recorded in MLB history, Nolan Ryan finished his career with a record of seven.
Nolan Ryan, who joined the Rangers in 1989, had a notoriously blazing fastball. They didn’t call him “The Ryan Express” for nothing. He had many games throughout his career where he came close to notching a no-hitter, but didn’t quite reach it. On June 11, 1990, in a game against the Oakland Athletics, the 43-year-old extended his career no-hitter record to six. Fans at the Oakland Coliseum had no idea they would be witnessing baseball history that night.
Ryan worried his lingering back problems would be an issue; early on, he felt “off.” He later said that he grew stronger as the game went on, however, and fell into a rhythm. Determination took hold, and Ryan gave it his all. He was in rare form that night, finishing the game with 14 strikeouts against 29 batters, with over 70% of his pitches being strikes.
As Ryan threw the final pitch, Oakland’s Willie Randolph hit a soft fly ball to right field. The Rangers caught it easily, and that was it—another moment etched in baseball history. After the final out, the crowd erupted and teammates hoisted Ryan to their shoulders in celebration. Ryan later referred to it as one of the special nights of his life, and certainly of his career. It was only the third no-hitter in Texas Rangers history. Although fewer Rangers fans were in attendance because it was an away game, most of Ryan’s family was there to see it happen. The Rangers won 5-0.
Ryan threw his first four no-hitters with the California Angels: two in 1973, and one each in 1974 and 1975. Number five came in 1981 while he was pitching for the Houston Astros. Numbers six and seven were with the Texas Rangers, coming later in his career in 1990 and 1991.
Nolan Ryan’s career total of seven no-hitters is an MLB record that will likely never be broken, along with many of the other legendary marks he holds. He pitched 27 seasons from 1966 to 1993 with four teams—Mets, Angels, Astros, and Rangers—retiring as one of baseball’s most dominant and iconic pitchers.
“No-hit Nolan!”
Fort Worth Star-Telegram – June 12, 1990
Newspapers.com
Blog post by Jason S. Sullivan, 06-11-25
Jason S. Sullivan 