Which Nolan Ryan… if can only choose 1

[jb67]

I like the 74 better than the 71 for simple reason you have a larger image of Nolan in the 74 than the 71. The image on the 71 is just too small for me. 74 winds hands down in my book.

[JustinD]

71’ OPC for me.

Love the 68 for obvious reasons, however that 71’ photo is awesome. Then add in the superior photo back of the OPC over Topps and it wins the race in my mind.

Now if Topps would have been smart and made the 94’ card the Ventura punch shot then I would have picked that.

[Casey2296]

Originally Posted by jb67

I like the 74 better than the 71 for simple reason you have a larger image of Nolan in the 74 than the 71. The image on the 71 is just too small for me. 74 winds hands down in my book.

But that RC Cola sign in the background screams 1971.

[mortimer brewster]

Originally Posted by Casey2296

But that RC Cola sign in the background screams 1971.

1971 is it for me. Nice action shot as a Met. He still has 24 years left in his career. The advertisement clinches it.

A favorite special card is "Ryan Saves The Day" from the 1970 set. Is there a better action shot?

[Bigdaddy]

In this order:

1971 Topps - great image of Nolan as well as the advertisement in the background, love the black borders, and no one knew then the career that lies ahead.

1974 Topps - another great image, but with the Angels where he really came into his own. Just mehh on the card design in general though.

1976 Topps - not an action image, but boy, you don't want to mess with that guy. Even sitting in the dugout in the shade, he screams intensity.

[Belfast1933]

Love the cases being made for best Ryan card… hard to argue with any of these choices!

But I think, for the first and maybe only time, I think I might go with the 2 player RC - it’s just such an iconic card to me.

I may have 1-2 complimentary cards eventually alongside it (maybe 74 and 76, to give 2 diff looks)

Thx for all of the feedback… but keep the great arguments coming! Enjoy hearing how others decide eye appeal for themselves

(I’ll post the card I chose once done, probably tomorrow)

Jeff

[Belfast1933]

Originally Posted by Belfast1933

Love the cases being made for best Ryan card… hard to argue with any of these choices!

But I think, for the first and maybe only time, I think I might go with the 2 player RC - it’s just such an iconic card to me.

I may have 1-2 complimentary cards eventually alongside it (maybe 74 and 76, to give 2 diff looks)

Thx for all of the feedback… but keep the great arguments coming! Enjoy hearing how others decide eye appeal for themselves

(I’ll post the card I chose once done, probably tomorrow)

Jeff

And here it is… my newest HOF iconic card. Many thanks to Ne54 Ian for a great and super friendly transaction!

[jiw98]

That's a nice looking card. Nicely centered. I would put it in my collection.

[mrmopar]

The 71 is an epic image, but he is so small. I like the 74 for the image as well, but the 1980 wins the best Ryan card award from me. Closer action shot and the AS designation (Surprisingly his only one where they were on the base card). The OPC makes for an interesting variation, but I like the Angels banner better.