Baseball is often considered America’s favorite pastime. The players of Major League Baseball (MLB) are some of the most iconic athletes in the world and their salaries reflect that. In 1979, Nolan Ryan became the first MLB player to earn $1000000 a year.
Nolan Ryan’s Early Career
Nolan Ryan joined the Major Leagues in 1966 as a member of the New York Mets. He immediately made an impact, as he was named to the All-Star team in his first season. Ryan quickly established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in the game and went on to become a seven-time All-Star and eight-time strikeout leader.
Ryan’s career was highlighted by his mastery of the fastball, which many consider the best fastball of all time. He also holds the all-time records for most no-hitters (7) and most strikeouts (5,714).
Nolan Ryan’s Free Agency
In 1979, Nolan Ryan became a free agent and was quickly courted by several teams. The California Angels were the team that eventually won the bidding war, signing Ryan to a then-record contract of $1000000 a year.
This was a revolutionary move for the time, as it was the first time an MLB player had been paid more than a million dollars a year. At the time, Ryan was the highest-paid player in baseball history.
Nolan Ryan’s Impact
Nolan Ryan’s signing had an immediate impact on the MLB. It set a precedent for free agency and ushered in a new era of high salaries for professional baseball players.
In the years since, salaries have continued to rise, with some of the game’s best players earning upwards of $30 million a year. While no one can say for sure how high salaries will go in the future, it is safe to say that Nolan Ryan’s landmark signing was a major milestone in baseball history.
Conclusion
In 1979, Nolan Ryan became the first MLB player to earn $1000000 a year when he signed with the California Angels. His signing had a major impact on the game, setting a precedent for high salaries and ushering in a new era of free agency. Ryan’s influence is still felt today, as some of the game’s best players now earn salaries of $30 million or more a year.