...Nolan Ryan though, took the blazing fastball, great curve to a level never before seen...
I completely agree with you on Nolan Ryan... He also had a change up pitch that was faster than most pitchers fastball. Heck, his curve ball was faster than most pitchers fastball!
I saw Ryan quite few times in Houston when he was at his top, and it was frankly just not fair for mere mortals to have to stand at the plate and face him! LOL! I think he probably got more strike outs with the curve and change up than the fastball.
A hard throwing pitcher who can put it by a batter at will commands a healthy respect for his #1 pitch. And, since the batter has to respect that pitch so much that he is usually way out in front of the change or he is frozen by the curve.
Amazing watching a craftsman work.