Nolan Ryan Signed New York Mets Hat (JSA COA)

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/5/2017

This is an unused and pristine condition New York Mets adjustable baseball hat signed boldly in silver marker or paint pen by baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. The hat has a straight (never bent) brim and is very clean. It contains a MLB Genuine Merchandise tag on the inside. After graduating from high school, Ryan was drafted by the New York Mets in the 12th round of the 1965 Major League Baseball draft. When Ryan was called up to the Mets the following year, he was the second-youngest player in the league. Ryan missed much of the 1967 season due to illness, an arm injury, and service with the Army Reserve. Ryan returned to the major league to stay, starting with the 1968 season, but despite his fastball, he was unable to crack the Mets' outstanding pitching rotation, led by Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman. Ryan was used more as a reliever and spot starter by the 1969 Mets. To deal with frequent blisters on his throwing hand he often soaked his fingers in pickle brine, although the technique's effectiveness was questioned both by Ryan's teammates and coaches. Ryan pitched well in the 1969 postseason for the Mets. Against the Braves in the NLCS, Ryan completed a Mets sweep by throwing seven innings of relief in Game 3, getting his first playoff win (it would take him 12 years to get another). Then in the 1969 World Series, Ryan saved Game 3, which gave the Mets a 2–1 lead in the Series, which they went on to win in five games. It would be Ryan's only World Series appearance in his career. On April 18, 1970, Ryan tied a Mets record by striking out 15 batters in one game. Ryan has credited his time with Seaver and the Mets with turning him from just a flamethrower to a pitcher. Contrary to popular belief, Ryan never wanted to be traded from the Mets and felt betrayed by the team that drafted him.

Condition: NM-Mint