Q&A; WITH NOLAN RYAN:

Few athletes can say they captured the imagination of their generation. Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr. not only played before two generations, the legacy left by his pitching dominance will resonate with baseball fans for as long as the game is played.

Ryan began his 27-season Major League career with the New York Mets, but became a star as a member of the then-California Angels, for whom he played eight seasons from 1972-79.

The Texas native went on to pitch nine seasons for the Houston Astros and five more for the Texas Rangers, setting career records for strikeouts (5,714) and no-hitters (seven).

Utilizing a fastball that was often clocked at 100 mph, as well as a wicked curveball, Ryan also threw 12 one-hitters, 18 two-hitters and 61 shutouts. The eight-time All-Star’s 383 strikeouts for the Angels in 1973 is the Major League single-season record. He finished with a record of 324-292 and a career earned-run average of 3.19. He has owned or shared 53 Major League records.

Ryan, who turns 61 on Jan. 31, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999, his first year of eligibility. Now living in Austin Texas, he is a special assistant to the Astros general manager and he owns two minor league teams. The Corpus Christi Hooks compete in the AA Texas League and the Round Rock Express, named after his familiar nickname “The Ryan Express,” play in the AAA Pacific Coast League. They are both Astros affiliates.

He is also owner and chairman of Express Bank of Texas and owns a restaurant in Three Rivers, Texas.

Ryan celebrated his 40th anniversary with wife Ruth last summer, and his sons, Reid and Reese, both former minor league pitchers, now share ownership duties with the Round Rock Express. He also has a daughter, Wendy, and five grandchildren.

Ryan will be the featured speaker Wednesday night at the Hot Stove League series held at the Cannery restaurant in Newport Beach.

He spoke by phone last week from his office in Texas.

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Question: What is your most special baseball memory?

Answer: Oh, you know, there’s not just one, because of the length of my career and all the things that happened. I would say one is being on a world championship team [he won a game in the World Series for the 1969 New York Mets] and another would be the seventh no-hitter.

Q: What is your fondest memory of being a California Angel?

A: I kind of look at the California Angels as the foundation of my career. I got to pitch a lot of innings and was able to pitch four no-hitters. When I think back on those days, they are very fond to me, even though we didn’t have very good ballclubs.

Q: How big a percentage does natural ability play in the development of a star athlete?

A: I think natural ability in youth overrides a lot of things that [pitchers] may do that are not mechanically sound. But, for the all-star-type athlete, natural ability and intelligence and dedication are all things that it takes.

Q: What is the primary thread that exists between success in athletics and success in business?

A: I think you have to have dedication, work ethic, and be able to focus. It doesn’t matter if it’s in business or athletics, those are traits you have to have to be successful, day-in and day-out.

Q: Are young pitchers’ arms being coddled by the current emphasis on pitch counts and limiting innings pitched?

A: I think because of our attitude about protecting players, or pitchers, we don’t ever find out what their abilities are as far as innings or durability.

I would like to see them approach it differently. Now, as a whole, pitching staffs are carrying more pitchers and I don’t think we are getting the maximum out of the frontline pitchers. And, by going to the bullpen so much, I think it’s slowing up the game.

Q: What is your favorite baseball movie?

A: “Major League,” because of the humor of it.

Q: Who is your all-time favorite baseball player?

A: I would venture to say, as a pitcher, it would be Sandy Koufax. And, as a position player, Henry Aaron. I would also say Willie Mays was the most gifted athlete I ever saw play baseball.

Q: How many people have you met over the years who were named after you [either Nolan or Ryan]?

A: I have no idea. But, when I go around the country, it seems to be quite a few.

Q: What is your take on the steroids era and what would you do about the statistics posted by those known to have taken steroids?

A: Well, I don’t see how baseball can do anything about it. They ignored the problem when it was developing and, now that it has been allowed to happen, I think we just have to accept it and move on.

Q: Do you believe Roger Clemens [who has denied using performance-enhancing drugs, despite a claim to the contrary in the Mitchell Report]?

A: Well, I don’t know what’s going to come of that. There are two sides to every story and with what has come out in the Mitchell Report, it doesn’t look good. But I’d like to think Roger is telling the truth.

BARRY FAULKNER may be reached at (714) 966-4615 or at barry.faulkner@latimes.com.