Let's see some letters with great content.

[Scott Garner]

Here are a couple of great letters that relate to Nolan Ryan's time spent with the California Angels:

1) Nolan's hand written letter to the Traveling Secretary of the NY Mets dated January 30, 1972. Nolan thanks him for all of his help while on the Mets and discusses his very early beginnings with the California Angels. Historic in nature as it covers what arguably was one of the best or worst trades in history. Terrible trade for the Mets- An over-the-hill Jim Fregosi for Nolan Ryan and 3 other players. Incredible trade for the Angels!

One special note which not everyone knows:
Nolan Ryan struggles with dyslexia. Hand written letters like this are extremely rare for this reason.


2) A December 7th, 1974 letter from Nolan Ryan to Angels GM Harry Dalton outlining his request of a $500K multi-year contract. Check out GM Dalton's sarcastic hand written notes on the letter. LOL

[Scott Garner]

I love this hand written letter from Vandy to his long-time booking agent Bob Allen regarding his punk-ass nephew & how to deal with his antics.
A fun read. Vandy was a no nonsense kind of guy!

[Scott Garner]

This is seriously one of the greatest fan letters that I recall reading...

Superfan Stephen Winsten, a transplant from NYC, took the time to write a (somewhat colorful- LOL ) account of what he noticed about Nolan Ryan's pitching struggles as a NY Met and how to groom him to be the star that he certainly would be. The letter was sent to California GM Harry Dalton immediately after the Angels got him in a trade that sent SS Jim Fregosi (RIP) to the NY Mets
Dalton read the letter, seemed to see merit in some of Winsten's observations and forwarded copies of the letter to Pitching Coach Tom Morgan and Angels Manager in 1972 Del Rice.
Letter originated from the Angels file on Nolan Ryan.

Tom Morgan is credited with turning Nolan's career around along with catcher Jeff Torborg (Ryan's 1st no-hitter). Winsten's guidance was actually based on pretty solid scouting for a fan, and this letter undoubtedly helped Tom Morgan develop a plan for harnessing Nolan's undeniable talent. I personally would give Steve Winsten an A+ for his wisdom.