Baseball Legends: Nolan Ryan (Mets 1966, 1968-1971, Angels 1972-1979, Astros 1980-1988, Rangers 1989-1993)

“One of the beautiful things about baseball is that every once in a while you come into a situation where you want to, and where you have to, reach down and prove something.” ~ Nolan Ryan

Prove something is what Nolan Ryan did with his entire career. It’s difficult to decide what is most impressive: his seven career no-hitters (three more than any other pitcher), or his 5714 strikeouts (over 1000 more than the runner-up). Or perhaps the power with which he pitched, even after reaching the age of 40. The longevity of Ryan’s career–a major-league record 27 years–is also astounding. In fact, there isn’t much about the pitcher that one could say was not impressive.

Forgotten Legends: Vincent Edward ‘Bo’ Jackson (Royals 1986-1990, White Sox 1991,1993, Angels 1994)

“First of all, I really never imagined myself being a professional athlete.” – Bo Jackson

Looking at the man to the left that is hard to believe. Bo Jackson was one of the best athletes that I have ever seen. Jackson played in the Major Leagues less than ten years, but his mark will forever be on the sport. His promising career was cut short by a hip injury suffered while playing his “hobby” sport of professional football. If not for that injury who knows what could have happened?

Baseball Legends: Reggie Jackson (A’s 1967-1975, 1987, Orioles 1976, Yankees 1977-1981, Angels 1982-1986)

Reggie Jackson hit 563 regular season home runs in his career, but it is post-season round trippers for which “Mr. October” is most remembered. Five of those came in the 1977 World Series when the Yankees faced the Dodgers, including three in Game 6, giving New York the Championship. Jackson had already established himself as a star in Oakland, winning the MVP award in 1973 while leading the AL in homers, RBI, slugging, and OPS.

In his career, Jackson finished in the top 10 MVP voting six times (excluding his 1973 win), and was voted to start 10 All-Star games. He was also selected for the All-Star roster an additional four times. At the time of this writing, Jackson ranks 11th on the career home run list (563) and 20th on the career RBI list (1702).