1977 nolan ryan

o-pee-chee figured that nolan ryan was ready for his close up in 1977.  here is his 1977 o-pee-chee card:

they also un-stacked his autograph.  now here's the topps front:

now the o-pee-chee back:

and the topps back:

not sure why they made a big deal about grant jackson's behind the back grab in the cartoon.  that play seems to be fairly common these days.  in fact, i saw nick blackburn do it in a game earlier this season.

as for ryan, the express was rolling in 1977.  he won 19 games and struck out over 300 batters (341) for the fifth time in his career.  he also threw 22 complete games and had a nice 2.77 era.  ryan also finished third in the cy young award voting, and was named to the all-star team (he didn't pitch) in 1977.  he did not, however, throw a no-hitter in 1977 - he would have to wait until 1981 to get the fifth no-no of his career.

voici à vous, 1977 nolan ryan!