The highest honor to bestow any professional baseball player is his enshrinement
into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Only one percent of
all those who have played on a professional level has a plaque in The Hall. On January 5, 1999,
The Baseball Writers' Association of America made it official by electing Lynn Nolan
Ryan Jr., George Brett and Robin Yount to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Not since the
Rookie class of 1936 when Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Christy Mathewson
has more than 2 players been elected on their initial year of eligibility.
Nolan led the Class of '99 being named on 491 of the 497 ballots cast. Receiving a voting
percentage of 98.79, Nolan is second only to former teammate Tom Seaver who
received 98.84% in his election in 1992.
Addressing a croud of reporters and well wishers from the stage of the Nolan
Ryan Center of Continuing Education on the campus of Alvin Community College, Nolan
announced he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 25, 1999 wearing
the cap of the Texas Rangers ball club.
CONGRATULATIONS, NOLAN!
