In 1974, as a kid growing up 30 minutes from Anaheim Stadium, I opened a pack of Topps cards and got my hearts desire - a 1974 Topps Nolan Ryan!
I remember sitting in the back seat of my mom's station wagon, thrilled yet at the same time pissed off. You see, the prior year, 1973, Ryan had 21 wins for a sub-.500 team, had not one but 2 no-hitters ! And broke the single season strikeout record held by Sandy Koufax ! An absolutely amazing year. Then the post season Cy Young awards came out...and they gave it to Jim Palmer.
Aw, c'mon folks, Jim Palmer ? Yeah he was really good, had the benefit of playing on a really good team, but really? Jim Palmer over Nolan Ryan with the year Ryan just had. Unbelievable! Who rigged the voting?
Could you imagine today if a pitcher were to have 21 wins (for a .488 team)...And 2 no-hitters...And break one of the most amazing of all single season pitching records with 383 strikeouts! Jeez, they would grant him to sainthood!
But at least I had my Ryan card.
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