Facing Nolan

Nolan Ryan might be one of the most oddly-perceived star baseball players of all-time. On one hand, he was clearly dominant: 27 seasons (parts of four decades), strikeout record by a mile, 7 no-hitters, etc. His career arc (Texas native starring for both TX major league teams) also propelled him to almost mythic status. At the same time, however, he set some ignominious records-walks allowed, wild pitches, etc.-and his overall numbers (besides the big ones) don't look as "clean" as others. A fascinating figure, to be sure, and all of that-plus some great glimpses into his current/family life-is bandied about here in "Facing Nolan".

At heart, this doc is a pretty standard biography of Ryan. Director Bradley Jackson begins with Nolan's Alvin, TX upbringing and then chronicles early-career stints with the Mets & Angels. Then, of course, comes the dominating return to Texas-Astros-and finally his last few seasons with the Rangers, where his legend grew to mythic status. Along the way, Jackson gathers input from Nolan's wife, sons, and daughter to flesh out who Ryan was when not at the ballpark.

In fact, "Facing Nolan" has a very "family" feel to it, what with his sons-Reid & Reese-listed as executive producers. While some might say that could provide an overly-sympathetic look at Ryan's career/life, I never got those vibes here. In all actuality, I found the material on Nolan's wife to be some of the best of the entire doc. Scenes from modern-day Nolan working his cattle ranch and hanging out with his grandchildren were also quite touching and highly enjoyable in seeing where this momentous figure's life has taken him.

Aside from the archival footage and familial input, interviews with Ryan himself and his contemporaries (George Brett, Craig Biggio, Randy Johnson, Ivan Rodriguez, George W. Bush, and many others) populate "Facing Nolan" and are always engaging. In a bit of an odd quirk, I actually found Nolan's direct input a bit boring at first, only to come to understand (over the course of the doc) that his laconic style is simply his personality and always has been.

Despite my top-shelf 10 star rating, "Facing Nolan" isn't a perfect documentary. The narration can be a bit over-the-top (perhaps even corny) and there are certain themes introduced that aren't carried over throughout. But for whatever reason, the entire effort seemed to "hit" at the right time and elicit real emotion from this viewer. I learned that Nolan Ryan's baseball impact can't be measured by the pure numbers so often used to evaluate the players of today, and I smiled at his post-career journey to find purpose in his ranching and family life. In short, I had such a good time-and experienced so many different emotions-watching "Facing Nolan" that I couldn't give it anything less than the full 10 stars.

I started "Facing Nolan" thinking "this will probably be dumb or boring, but I gotta check it out. It's Nolan Ryan." I did not regret it. It was fun, interesting, and I actually learned several things I never knew.

If you're thinking about checking this movie out, just do it.

I've never written a review, but I couldn't pass up an opportunity to say what a fabulous documentary this is. Ryan is a legend and this captures it so perfectly. Hearing/seeing his story through the lens and voices of his wife, Ruth, his children and grandchildren, his former teammates....it was just amazing. An inspirational reminder of why I love this game so dang much!

Just want to clarify as mentioned in the documentary about Nolan Ryan being the only player in any sport to receive a million dollar contract.

Bobby Hull playing hockey on the WHA 1972 had a million dollar contract before NR.

Was a well presented documentary, absolutely mind-boggling how Nolan Ryan did not win a Cy Young award .

I watched Nolan Ryan pitch a few times and it was always an amazing display how hard he can throw that ball.

Nolan Ryan and Ferguson Jenkins are my two favorite pictures of all time.

108 mph fastball is just incredible considering he did not have much training in regards to weight training or coaching.

Congratulations on a great career and Hall of Fame enshrinement.

SXSW 2022 Greetings again from the darkness. Having been a baseball fan for as long as I can remember, I can list the handful of players that I got to see play in person who left me in utter awe of their talent. Lynn Nolan Ryan was definitely one of them, so when I saw Bradley Jackson's documentary listed on the SXSW schedule, I immediately sent my RSVP.

Jackson opens with the numbers: 7 no-hitters, 100.9 mph, 5714 career strikeouts, and 51 Major League Baseball records. Big Tex. The Ryan Express. If he wasn't flesh and blood, Nolan Ryan could be the lead character in a graphic novel. An intimidating player with a Texas drawl borne of his upbringing in tiny Alvin, Texas. We see a fuzzy clip of Nolan pitching in high school, and his wife Ruth drives us by his childhood home. As a long-time fan, I'm relieved to see that Ruth Ryan is finally exposed as a guiding force in his life and career. Their first date is recalled ... watching ROME ADVENTURE (Suzanne Pleshette, Troy Donahue) ... as is their second - a baseball game to see Sandy Koufax pitch. Ruth explains that Nolan had no aspirations of a professional baseball career, and instead was determined to become a veterinarian. It was Mets' scout Red Murff who changed the trajectory of animals and hitters everywhere when he convinced the team to draft Nolan.

Jackson includes interviews with players such as Pete Rose, Randy Johnson, and Jerry Grote (his catcher with the Mets). Rose talked about how difficult it was to face Nolan, while Johnson labels him the most intimidating pitcher of all-time. Others interviewed include Ryan's biographer Rob Goldman and former President George W Bush, who was one of the team owners when Ryan signed with the Texas Rangers.

Some terrific archival footage shows Nolan's World Series contribution to the 1969 Miracle Mets, his subsequent trade to Gene Autry's ("The Singing Cowboy") California Angels, and his early no-hitters and dominance. We learn about the impact of Tom Morgan, his first "real" pitching coach, and later, Ryan's stunning free agent contract with the Houston Astros - making him the first athlete to sign a million-dollar contract. Jackson even includes the replay of the moment in 1973 when Norm Cash came to the plate with a table leg instead of bat to face Ryan during his second career no-hitter.

More footage is shown of Ryan's 5th and 6th no-hitters, including Terry Puhl's running catch. What a fun moment it is when Mr. Puhl proves that, even to this day, he still has the clip of that catch on his iPhone. And yes, it was the Astros' blunder of inviting Nolan to take a 'hometown' pay cut, that drove him to sign with the cross-state rival Texas Rangers and write the final chapter of his storied baseball career. What followed was his 300th win, his 5000th strikeout, and remarkably, his 7th no-hitter. Of course, one of the most famous events of Ryan's career occurred in 1993 when Robin Ventura charged the mound against the 46-year-old Ryan. What's fascinating is how this is tied back to a previous incident with Dave Winfield years ago. Winfield discusses what happened, while Ryan admits to the impact.

The baseball content served up here is enough for any fan, but the real insight comes from the talks with Ruth and Nolan and their family members. Sure, he spent 27 years in the league and delivered a humble Hall of Fame induction speech (which is included here), but at the core of the player is the man with values ... the man Ruth chose so many years ago. The kids and grandkids speak of Nolan and Ruth as role models, and we witness firsthand the difference between the Hall of Fame pitcher and the man fishing on the riverbank or at the head of the table for family meals. We have Red Murff and Tom Morgan to thank for the pitching, Ruth Ryan to thank for the man, and Bradley Jackson to thank for this profile.