With a blazing fastball that approached 100 mph and a work ethic like none other, Nolan Ryan dominated hitters for an unparalleled 27 seasons on his way to 5,714 strikeouts, an all-time record. During four decades of prominence, he totaled 324 victories and a host of Major League records. Most notable of his milestones are a mystifying seven no-hitters and 12 one-hitters. The eight-time All-Star fanned a single-season record 383 batters in 1973 and his career strikeouts encompassed 1,176 different players. When someone with that kind of track record speaks, I know I'm inclined to pay attention. Here's what the Hall of Fame pitcher had to say: "Our expectations of [pitchers] have been lowered. There's no reason why kids today can't pitch as many innings as people did in my era." "Today a quality start is 6 innings. What's quality about that?" Ryan raises a good point and I think it's this: When you accept the status quo, you sell yourself short. When you train smarter, work harder, practice longer, condition better - barriers fall, velocity goes up and the fun factor increases 100%. Work on it! REFERENCES
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