Manufacturer: Topps
Set: 1968 Topps Baseball ➡️
Player Name: Nolan Ryan & Jerry Koosman
Position/Team: Pitchers for Mets
Card #: 177
Card Size: 2-1/2” x 3-1/2”
Card Values: See Pricing Table Below
Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr., universally known as Nolan Ryan and “The Ryan Express”, is one of the most iconic and legendary figures in baseball history. Spanning an astonishing 27 seasons in Major League Baseball (1966, 1968-1993), Ryan carved out a unique career defined by unparalleled longevity, raw power, and an unbreakable will to dominate. He pitched for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers.
Ryan’s signature pitch was a blazing fastball, consistently clocked at over 100 mph even late in his career. This velocity, combined with a devastating 12-6 curveball, made him one of the most feared pitchers of all time. Ryan holds the all-time MLB record for career strikeouts with an astounding 5,714, a mark that is almost 1,000 more than the next closest pitcher (Randy Johnson). Perhaps his most celebrated achievement is his record seven no-hitters.
Early in his career, Ryan was a part of the “Miracle Mets” team that won the 1969 World Series, though he was used primarily as a reliever and spot starter for that championship squad. He was an 8-time All-Star and received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the American League’s Joe Cronin Award for significant achievement.
Even at 46, Ryan’s competitive fire was legendary. In 1993, he famously took out his frustration on Robin Ventura, a much younger player, during a brawl on the mound, putting Ventura in a headlock and landing several punches.
Nolan Ryan was an obvious first-ballot inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999, receiving 98.8% of the vote. He is widely considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest, power pitchers ever. His impact on the game extends beyond his records; he was a larger-than-life figure whose intense competitiveness and sheer velocity captivated generations of fans. His jersey numbers (30 with the Angels, 34 with the Astros and Rangers) are retired by three different franchises, a rare honor shared only with Jackie Robinson (MLB-wide) and Frank Robinson.
Nolan Ryan’s most iconic baseball card is this 1968 Topps #177 rookie card. The 1968 Topps set is known for its distinctive “wood grain” or “burlap” border design. The #177 card is a “Mets Rookies” dual-player card, featuring Ryan alongside fellow pitcher Jerry Koosman. Cards graded in high condition (e.g., PSA 8 or higher) command substantial prices, ranging from thousands to well into the six figures for top-tier examples.
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Pricing Data For This Rookie Card
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Pricing chart includes raw card price & some graded card value estimates.
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