1974-1975 Nolan Ryan California Angels Signed Game-Used Home Jersey MEARS A9.5

Sold For:

$22,200

Year:

1974

Auction:

2024 Fall

Lot #:

2629

Category:

Post-1900 Baseball Memorabilia

California Angels home jersey worn by Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan in 1974-1975. Grade A9.5 by MEARS. The white knit jersey is lettered “Angels” across the front and features the number “30” on the left breast and reverse. “Ryan” is lettered on the reverse directly above the number. All letters and numerals are appliquéd in red-on-blue tackle twill. A “W. A. Goodman & Sons 44” label is located on the left front tail. An Angels team patch adorns the left sleeve. Ryan has signed the jersey in black marker on the left breast. The jersey is original as issued, with no alterations, and displays heavy wear, including light staining throughout. In December 1971, in what was one of the most lopsided trades in history, the California Angels acquired Nolan Ryan and three other players from the New York Mets for Jim Fregosi. For the next nine seasons Ryan dominated American League hitters while leading the league in strikeouts every year but one, including a modern-day record of 383 in 1973. In his first season with the Angels, Ryan won 18 games with a league-leading 329 strikeouts, 9 shutouts, and a 2.28 ERA. Ryan won 138 games for the Angels between the years 1972 and 1979 before being traded to the Houston Astros. In addition to throwing a record seven no-hitters, Ryan retired as the all-time leader in strikeouts (5,714) and is one of only 24 pitchers to win 300 games. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1999, his first year of eligibility. Graded A9.5 by MEARS (base grade of 10 with a half-point deduction for staining on the jersey). Full LOA from MEARS. (for the jersey only). Full LOA from James Spence/JSA. (for the signature only). Opening Bid $5,000.