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.

Baseball Legends: Warren Spahn (Braves 1942, 1946-1964, Mets 1965, Giants 1965)

“Hitting is timing. Pitching is upsetting timing.” ~ Warren Spahn

The winningest left-hander in big league history with 363 victories, Warren Spahn ranks sixth on the all-time wins list. Those ahead of him on the list–Cy Young, Walter Johnson, Pete Alexander, Christy Mathewson and Pud Galvin–all played prior to the live-ball era. Thirteen times in his 21-year career he won more than 20 games in a season.

Spahn’s baseball career did not start with distinction; he was demoted to the minor leagues by Boston Braves manager Casey Stengel after refusing to throw at a batter. After the 1942 season concluded, he enlisted in the United States Army. During his tenure in the military, Spahn was honored with the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for bravery. He was the only major leaguer who earned a battlefield commission during World War II.

Baseball Legends: Gary Carter (Expos 1974-1984, 1992, Mets 1985-1989, Giants 1990, Dodgers 1991)

Gary Carter stands as one of the prime examples of what happens when you play in Canada: you are largely ignored. Carter’s best years came while wearing a Montreal uniform, as he spent his first eleven seasons there. However, he was overshadowed by Johnny Bench’s play in Cincinnati as the best catcher in the National League in the 1970s, and it was not until the 1980s that he began to receive the recognition he deserved.

After being selected as a reserve catcher for the All-Star team in 1975, 1979, and 1980, Carter received the fan vote to start 1981-1984 and 1986-1988. In 1981 and 1984 he was honored as the All-Star Game MVP. He was also named to the roster in 1985, but did not play that year.

Baseball Legends: Yogi Berra (Yankees 1946-1963, Mets 1965)

“90% of the game is mental, the other half is physical” – Yogi Berra

If you don’t know who Yogi Berra is, then you don’t know baseball. He is one of the most well known athletes of his time. His record speaks for itself. He won the AL MVP award three times (1951, 1954, 1955). He finished fourth or higher in the balloting every year from 1950-1957, and received votes on the ballot for 15 straight years. He was an All-Star from 1949-1962. His teams won 14 AL Pennants, and 10 World Series with him behind the plate. He was the anchor of one of the best dynasties ever in baseball. He played for 20 years, and made it to the World Series 14 times. He played in 75 World Series games in his career. That is just amazing. How many other players can state that they won the World Series half of the years that they played the game?

Baseball Legends: Tom Seaver (Mets 1967-1977, 1983, Reds 1977-1982, White Sox 1984-1986, Red Sox 1986)

“He’s so good that blind people come to the park just to hear him pitch.”
—  Reggie Jackson

Tom Seaver is one of those guys that you knew early on was a lock for the Hall of Fame. He had a great control, and an overwhelming fastball.  He was also a very cerebral pitcher. That combination proved to be too much for most of his opponents. He pitched for 20 seasons in the Major Leagues piling up 311 wins and 3,640 strikeouts. He is one of 23 members of the 300 win club, and one of 15 members of the 3,000 strikeout club. During his career he was a 12 time All Star. He really was a dominant pitcher.