Throwback Thursday: Nolan Ryan Becomes First MLB Pitcher to Reach 4,000 Strikeouts

MLB legend Nolan Ryan has set records that many believe won't ever be topped. On this day in 1985, the Houston Astros pitcher reached an impressive career milestone that no other pitcher had achieved.

Facing off against the New York Mets, the baseball world looked on with anticipation of Nolan Ryan becoming the first pitcher to reach 4,000 career strikeouts. Nolan Ryan struck out Danny Heep to record his 4,000th career strikeout.

It was one of many career achievements for Nolan Ryan. He ended his career with the MLB record for career strikeouts with 5,714 to his credit. Nolan Ryan also holds the MLB record for most seasons played (27) in the modern era, fewest hits allowed per nine innings (6.56) and no-hitters (7). To go along with throwing seven no-hitters, Nolan Ryan threw them in three different decades.

Nolan Ryan was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999, his first year of eligibility. He was the first player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a Texas Ranger.