Posted on 08/04/2017 12:48:28 PM PDT by DFG
Hall of Fame hurler Nolan Ryan left a lasting impression on the state of Texas and on Major League Baseball with an illustrious 27-year career.
His 5,714 strikeouts, 324 wins and seven no-hitters cemented his legacy as one of the greats.
But it was 24 years ago Friday that the Ryan Express immortalized himself -- and it didn’t have much to do with his pitching that day.
On August 4, 1993, the 46-year-old Ryan drilled Chicago White Sox third baseman Robin Ventura in the elbow with a fastball. Ventura then made a decision he undoubtedly regrets to this day.
He charged the mound, was put in a headlock and delivered a flurry of punches to the head.
(Excerpt) Read more at wfaa.com ...
Speaking of scary - could it have been sh*ts and giggles to have Ryne Duren eyeballing you from the mound?
Well, that does say it all about the Rangers that our “best” moments are about punching players from other teams, rather than from winning World Series.
Ryan retired that season and the final series was against George Brett and the Royals. George also retired.
I saw this on the news later that night. I can’t believe it has been THAT long.
Nolan Ryan showed some nice MMA moves with that fight with Ventura before there was a MMA.
He played before my time but Sal “the Barber” Maglie was noted for throwing inside.
On a more sobering note, Jack Hamilton hit Tony Conigliaro, which probably ended Conigliaro’s career, 50 years ago this month. Hamilton wasn’t noted for throwing inside but he was rumored to be a spitball pitcher and the speculation is that Hamilton threw a spitball to Conigliaro which got away.
I’ve been to world series games which were not as electric as was that one. It was a real celebration.
If the Cubs can win it after 108 years anyone can. 8 current teams have never won. 2 of them have never even played in the big show. If it’s any consolation since the Jays last won it 24 years ago to me at least they’re most noted for changing their logo 4 times so far.
One of my favorite Ticket bits is the “Fake” Nolan Ryan, especially when he starts talking about “Snow Monkeys.”
So -- what do you think of having a late in the season "rifle ammo night" when the Yankees come to visit?
Would that fill the stands, or what? I buy a ticket, myself. [;^')
Thanks for the link.
Ventura, the only guy to get five hits in one inning off/from Nolan Ryan.
Well another “great” moment in Ranger history was being the team the Indians played during “Ten-Cent Beer Night” in Cleveland.
Thou shalt not mess with Texas.
You can drink our beer, date our daughters after suitable vetting, but do not charge the mound when Nolan Ryan is on it. He will kick your ass and enjoy doing it!
Grew up as a kid with Nolan Ryan down the street.
I saw this too on tv. It was awesome.
I remember shortly after that when Nolan was interviewed about the fight. He told the story that the last time he was charged after hitting a batter was when he hit Dave Winfield of the Yankees. He said he waited for Winfield to get to the mound and Winfield gave him a pretty good lashing.
Nolan stated that if he was EVER charged again he would NOT wait on the batter, but would come off the mound and start toward the batter. You notice he did that and it probably caught Ventura by surprise. Then Nolan started giving him “the business”.....LOL
Always heard it was two noogies and four shots to the head.
Winfield was HUGE. he probably thought better of it
Right. Gibson was one of the most ferocious pitchers in baseball history. Had a 1.12 ERA (1.12!!!) in 1968 and was under 3.0 for his entire career. And this was back before the massive talent dilution that is today’s MLB.
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