I think it was actually Ryan who said, “I just gave him a couple of noogies.” Ventura was lucky — Ryan clearly could have done some serious damage but instead chose to give him a little lesson.
I saw at least two of Ryan’s one-hitters in person but never one of his no-hitters.
My favorite comment about facing Ryan was from Oscar Gamble: “A good night tonight is 0-4 and don’t get hit in the head.”
Film footage at the time showed Ryan head on delivering those shots on Ventura, said to be four to the head & two to the face.
Footage available now only shows Ryan’s back as he hits, & then Ventura stalking away.
“Baseball’s most famous fight”? There were some real “rhubarbs” out on the diamond in the teens & twenties, and not one sided like this one.
Oscar, (and his HUGE afro), questioned by a reporter when he was with the Yanks about their past greats: Reporter: “Babe Ruth?” Oscar: “Who?” Reporter: “Okay, The Iron Horse?” Oscar: “A what?” Reporter: “The Yankee Clipper?” Oscar: “Oh I know THAT one! That is George Steinbrenner.....he made me cut my afro!” Oscar was a real gem but he could play a bit to.