Post by csc5782 on Dec 30, 2012 9:19:25 GMT -5
This just in from the Astros' PR Department:
Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr., nicknamed "The Ryan Express", who last played 3 seasons ago with the Texas Rangers, will be honored on September 28, 1996 and will have his Houston Astros' jersey number retired.
During a major league record 27-year baseball career, he pitched in 1966 and from 1968 to 1993 for four different teams: the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers. He played with the Houston Astros from 1980 to 1988 after signing, at the time, a record 4 year, $4.5M contract.
Ryan set the record straight in his first season as he recorded his 3,000th career strikeout on July 4. He helped the Astros reach the post-season, but they were stopped one game short of the World Series to the pesky Phillies. The Astros were leading 5-2 heading into the 8th inning of Game 5 of the Best-of-5 series and Ryan allowed all four batters he faced to reach base in that inning but ultimately it was the bullpen who failed to hold onto the lead and eventually the series.
Ryan came back strong in 1981, going 11-5 in a strike-shortened season, with a league-leading 1.69 ERA. He recorded his 5th no-hitter, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, becoming the third pitcher to record no-hitters in both leagues. But the Dodgers had the last laugh as they cut down the Astros post-season short with yet another heart-breaking 3-2 post-season series win, despite Ryan's redemption, throwing a complete game 2-hitter in the opener. It would be Ryan's last postseason win.
By 1983, the Astros' dominance began to fade, but not their star pitcher. Nolan Ryan recorded his 3,500th strikeout and in his next start, became the strikeout king, passing Walter Johnson.
In 1987, Ryan's age 40 season, he recorded his 4,500th strikeout, led the league in ERA and strikeouts, but finished with a 8-16 record due to poor run support. The next season, he won his 100th game with the Astros.
By 1989, the Astros were in full-rebuild mode and let hometown favorite Nolan Ryan leave to the Texas Rangers following a contract dispute.
It was during these 9 seasons that Ryan set the bar high for Astros pitchers; the effects can be seen today as it is evident that the Astros' team philosophy is centered around developing and harnessing pitchers. Inspired by Nolan Ryan's graceful dominance and focus on the team, GM Chris Cosenza has continued this philosophy and can thank the pitching staff for getting the surprising Astros into playoff position.
Nolan Ryan's legacy has transformed into Doug Drabek, providing veteran leadership to Shane Reynolds and Mike Hampton, two youngsters who are quickly becoming a solid 1-2 punch. Roy Oswalt is set to join the rotation in 1997. And with that, they may rival the Braves' rotation. Billy Wagner, all 24 years of him, is already ingrained into the closer role and may be able to chase down Lee Smith's saves record.
Nolan Ryan will have his #34 jersey retired on September 28, before the start of the game against the Atlanta Braves.
Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr., nicknamed "The Ryan Express", who last played 3 seasons ago with the Texas Rangers, will be honored on September 28, 1996 and will have his Houston Astros' jersey number retired.
During a major league record 27-year baseball career, he pitched in 1966 and from 1968 to 1993 for four different teams: the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers. He played with the Houston Astros from 1980 to 1988 after signing, at the time, a record 4 year, $4.5M contract.
Ryan set the record straight in his first season as he recorded his 3,000th career strikeout on July 4. He helped the Astros reach the post-season, but they were stopped one game short of the World Series to the pesky Phillies. The Astros were leading 5-2 heading into the 8th inning of Game 5 of the Best-of-5 series and Ryan allowed all four batters he faced to reach base in that inning but ultimately it was the bullpen who failed to hold onto the lead and eventually the series.
Ryan came back strong in 1981, going 11-5 in a strike-shortened season, with a league-leading 1.69 ERA. He recorded his 5th no-hitter, against the Los Angeles Dodgers, becoming the third pitcher to record no-hitters in both leagues. But the Dodgers had the last laugh as they cut down the Astros post-season short with yet another heart-breaking 3-2 post-season series win, despite Ryan's redemption, throwing a complete game 2-hitter in the opener. It would be Ryan's last postseason win.
By 1983, the Astros' dominance began to fade, but not their star pitcher. Nolan Ryan recorded his 3,500th strikeout and in his next start, became the strikeout king, passing Walter Johnson.
In 1987, Ryan's age 40 season, he recorded his 4,500th strikeout, led the league in ERA and strikeouts, but finished with a 8-16 record due to poor run support. The next season, he won his 100th game with the Astros.
By 1989, the Astros were in full-rebuild mode and let hometown favorite Nolan Ryan leave to the Texas Rangers following a contract dispute.
It was during these 9 seasons that Ryan set the bar high for Astros pitchers; the effects can be seen today as it is evident that the Astros' team philosophy is centered around developing and harnessing pitchers. Inspired by Nolan Ryan's graceful dominance and focus on the team, GM Chris Cosenza has continued this philosophy and can thank the pitching staff for getting the surprising Astros into playoff position.
Nolan Ryan's legacy has transformed into Doug Drabek, providing veteran leadership to Shane Reynolds and Mike Hampton, two youngsters who are quickly becoming a solid 1-2 punch. Roy Oswalt is set to join the rotation in 1997. And with that, they may rival the Braves' rotation. Billy Wagner, all 24 years of him, is already ingrained into the closer role and may be able to chase down Lee Smith's saves record.
Nolan Ryan will have his #34 jersey retired on September 28, before the start of the game against the Atlanta Braves.
