It was on this day in 1989 that Nolan Ryan recorded his 5000th career strikeout.  He was the first pitcher to ever record 5000 strikeouts over the course of a career.

Ryan recorded his 5000th strikeout against Rickey Henderson during a game between the Texas Rangers and the Oakland A’s.  After the game, Henderson was quoted as saying “If he ain’t struck you out, then you ain’t nobody.”  I guess that makes Henderson and thousands of other batters around the Majors a somebody.

Ryan is the only pitcher to ever record 5000 strikeouts over the course of his career, and it doesn’t appear as though that is going to change anytime soon.  While the closest pitcher to ever reach that mark was Randy Johnson, who finished his career with 4,875, the closest active player at the moment is Andy Pettite, with 2,310.  The next closest pitcher under the age of 40 is C.C. Sabathia, who currently has 2,157 strikeouts at the age of 32.

Here is a look at Ryan thanking Rangers pitching coach Tom House during his Hall of Fame induction speech.

Notable Birthdays

Michael Curry, NBA – Born on August 22, 1968 (age 44) in Anniston, Alabama

Paul Molitor, MLB -  Born on August 22, 1956 (age 56) in Saint Paul, Minnesota

Bill Parcells, NFL – Born on August 22, 1941 (age 71) in Englewood, New Jersey