Nolan Ryan

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Nolan Ryan: The Making of a Pitcher was reviewed as This Week's Must Read in The New York Post on March 30, 2014.

Nolan Ryan: The Making of a Pitcher was positively reviewed on The Post Game

Rob Goldman discussed Nolan Ryan: The Making of a Pitcher  on The Ryan Express on KERA

Rob Goldman discussed Nolan Ryan: The Making of a Pitcher in his interview with the Los Angeles Daily News

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Nolan Ryan: The Making of a Pitcher

By Rob Goldman / Foreword by Reid Ryan

MEDIA CONTACT: Bill Ames, Triumph Books, 312.676.4256, b.ames@triumphbooks.com

To any baseball fan, Nolan Ryan’s name still conjures up images of blistering 100-mile-per-hour fastballs and knee-buckling curveballs. During his 27-year career, “The Ryan Express” was named an eight-time All-Star and amassed seven no-hitters and more than 5,700 strikeouts—more than any other pitcher in major-league history.

Just in time for the start of a new baseball season, author Rob Goldman has written Nolan Ryan: The Making of a Pitcher (Triumph Books, April 2014). This comprehensive biography of one of baseball's greatest ever pitchers, and the first book on Nolan Ryan since the mid-1990s, follows the baseball legend’s journey from the start of his professional career in 1965 to his retirement in 1993 to his post-playing career as president of the Texas Rangers. Hall of Famers, journeymen, clubhouse workers, coaches and trainers offer their own unique take on Ryan in this book filled with never-before-told anecdotes and personal recollections and peppered with eyewitness accounts of his greatest games. In the pages of this history, readers will discover what made Nolan Ryan one of the most revered and respected athletes and citizens of his time, which include:

• Ryan was not a freak of nature as some writer’s claim but a world-class athlete whose career path included revolutionary conditioning programs and diligent work ethic.  The Making of a Pitcher explores key moments in his career where adjustments in his preparation was most critical as will as the individuals most responsible for helping him slow down the aging process.
• Ryan was not an overnight success.  He toiled for six years in the Mets organization before his breakout with the Angels in 1972.
• Ryan’s characteristics are reminiscent of pioneer Texans who founded a Republic then a State. As it turns out Ryan came by his “Texas Mystique” honestly.  The Making of a Pitcher includes previously unpublished accounts placing a direct descendent of Ryan behind the walls of the Alamo and another who was an early Texas Ranger. 
• Ryan would use anything, including mind games and intimidation to get into the batters head. On the field he was relentless, stubborn and ultra-competitive.  Off the field he was gracious, generous and empathetic.  This duo personality as will as his humor is explored in depth.
• The Making of a Pitcher is in part an oral history told by the individuals closest to him. Included are family members, teammates, adversaries, trainers and clubhouse personnel.  The book is unique in the sense that most Ryan biographies tell what he accomplished, Making of a Pitcher explains how he did it.

Author Rob Goldman – who has known Ryan most of his life – traces the life and career of one of baseball’s all-time greatest pitchers, executives and ambassadors.  Written for baseball fans of all ages, Nolan Ryan: The Making of a Pitcher is a must-read read book for 2014. 

About the Author:

Rob Goldman first met Nolan and Ruth Ryan in 1970.  Four years later, Goldman became a batboy for the California Angels and a lifelong friendship began.  His book, Once They Were Angels: A History of the Team, was hailed as the “best team history in years” by the New York Daily News.  He also collaborated with Tim Salmon on Always an Angel: Playing the Game with Fire and Faith.  He lives in Thousand Oaks, California.  Visit www.makingofapitcher.com for more information on Goldman and his books.

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