1981

The 1981 Topps Nolan Ryan baseball cards recorded the first home run of his career.  In between hitting home runs he managed to pull off another 200 innings pitched season and a 200 strikeout season. 

These cards are practically given away, so you should be able to get a mint card for as low as $5.

Being that it’s the first card to show Nolan in Astros garb though I think the value on this one is set to rise. Anyone who came of age watching the Texas boy back to pitching in the Lone Star State will want this card for the memories alone.

This wasn’t the greatest season for the Strikeout King, but this card still conjures up some sweet nostalgia.

The 1981 Topps Nolan Ryan baseball card reveals that this famous pitcher could also hit as well.  Maybe that is why his baseball cards are such a hit with collectors.