Rangers Give Nolan Ryan Another Taste of Game's Biggest Stage

Filed under: Giants, Rangers, MLB Playoffs, World Series

SAN FRANCISCO -- It wasn't exactly win one for the Gipper, but the Texas Rangers did make it to the World Series wanting to win one for a higher power.

The higher power's name is Nolan Ryan, perhaps the most revered baseball player ever in the state of Texas. A Lone Star native, he pitched for the Houston Astros for nine years, then, at age 42 when every other pitcher of his generation was safely and cozily retired, he started a new career with the Texas Rangers that lasted five years and included the last two of his record seven no-hitters.

Ryan finally called it quits in 1993 when he was 46, then came back to the Rangers five years after he retired, assuming the role of president. Two years later the Rangers are in the World Series for the first time. Coincidence? Not so much.

"It means everything to this organization that Nolan Ryan came back," manager Ron Washington said. "He set the standard when he was a pitcher. Now he sets the standard as the president of the club."

Ryan appeared in the World Series as a 22-year-old for the New York Mets, pitching once in relief and getting one of the four wins the Miracle Mets needed for their first-ever World Series title. It took him 41 years to get back.

Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/10/25/rangers-give-nolan-ryan-another-taste-of-games-biggest-stage/

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