I still remember the first Major League baseball game I ever saw.

It was September 26, 1981 and I was 9 years old. The Houston Astros were playing the Los Angeles Dodgers. I didn’t know much about baseball (or at least not as much as I do now), but I knew something special was happening.

A pitcher named Nolan Ryan had held the Dodgers hitless through 8 2/3 innings and was going for the final out and his record fifth no-hitter. When Dusty Baker grounded out to third base, the record was official.

Ok, I didn’t exactly remember all those details. I had a little help from Wikipedia. But I do remember thinking what a great game baseball could be.

I still think that Nolan Ryan is one of the best players ever to play the game– maybe the best pitcher ever. I recently found one of his Astro jerseys on ebay and of course I had to get one.

I confess that I don’t follow baseball as closely as I used to. I’m not as familiar with the players anymore and it’s hard to keep track of who plays for what team with all the free agency and trades.

I can say that once the playoffs get started, I’ll be paying much closer attention. I’ll be pulling as usual for my favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals, but I’ll still wear my Nolan Ryan Astros jersey with pride, remembering that first ever game.