Marion in Smyth County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Nolan Ryan and the Marion Mets

— Marion History Walk —

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 22, 2022

1. Nolan Ryan and the Marion Mets Marker

Inscription. Baseball's strikeout king and record-holder of seven no-hitters, Nolan Ryan pitched his very first professional baseball here with the Marion Mets in 1965. “I'll never forget that first pitch. It knocked the catcher's glove off. He had the opposing team so scared, they were ducking coming out of the dugout.” – Robert Garnett, President of the Marion Mets.

Erected by Marion Main Street.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1965.

Location. 36° 50.028′ N, 81° 31.071′ W. Marker is in Marion, Virginia, in Smyth County. It is on East Main Street (U.S. 11) west of Broad Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is on the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 E Main St, Marion VA 24354, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Virginia

and in the Blue Ridge Highlands.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western

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World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: R.T. Greer & Company (a few steps from this marker); Marion & Rye Valley Railroad (within shouting distance of this marker); Annabel Morris Buchanan (within shouting distance of this marker); Hungry Mother State Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor David Campbell (within shouting distance of this marker); Carnegie High School (within shouting distance of this marker); Marion College (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of Mountain Dew (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marion.

Regarding Nolan Ryan and the Marion Mets. Selected 295th overall by the New York Mets in the 1965 draft, Ryan reported to the Marion Mets late that season. Statistically, his stint there was less than remarkable: He went 3-6 with a 4.38 ERA in 13 appearances.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 22, 2022

2. Nolan Ryan and the Marion Mets Marker

But his 115 strikeouts in 70 innings helped propel him toward his eventual Hall of Fame career in the Major Leagues.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,572 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 8, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.