2004 – Nolan Ryan returns to the Astros organization under a five-year personal services contract. Ryan and his sons own one team in the Astros farm system and plan to add another one in 2005 when the AAA affiliate moves to Round Rock, TX and the AA squad moves to Corpus Christi.
On April 4, 2001, Hideo Nomo of the Boston Red Sox pitches the second no-hitter of his career – a 3-0 whitewash of the Baltimore Orioles. In making his Red Sox’ debut, Nomo becomes only the fourth pitcher in major league history to hurl no-hitters in both leagues, joining Jim Bunning, Nolan Ryan, and Cy Young in exclusive company.
The Hall of Fame adds an unprecedented number of first-time eligible candidates when George Brett, Nolan Ryan, and Robin Yount enter Cooperstown. In addition, the Veterans Committee’s selections Orlando Cepeda, Nestor Chylak, Frank Selee, and ‘Smokey’ Joe Williams are also inducted, joining the trio of first-timers elected by the BBWAA.
The Nolan Ryan Museum opens in Alvin, TX.
Nolan Ryan is the first passenger to board the Nolan Ryan Express, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737. Ryan autographs both sides of the aircraft’s nose on two specially designed decals each featuring a baseball with airplane wings and a Southwest colored tail. In July, Ryan will again board the NLE to fly to the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies in Cooperstown, New York.
In their first year of eligibility, George Brett, Nolan Ryan and Robin Yount are elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Carlton Fisk finishes fourth in the voting, missing election by 43 votes. It is the only time since the first inductees were selected in 1939 that more than two first-timers have made it into Cooperstown in the same year.
The long career of Ranger right-hander Nolan Ryan, who had announced his plans to retire at the end of the season, comes to an abrupt end when the Texas starter leaves the game in the first inning after injuring his right elbow. The future Hall of Famer, who gives up five runs without retiring a batter, will throw just one more pitch after giving up a grand slam to Dann Howitt in the 7-4 loss to Seattle at the Kingdome.
Nolan Ryan wins the 324th and last victory of his 27-year career when the Rangers beat Cleveland, 6-4. The 46 year-old right-hander, who will lose his next four games, sees his career come to an end two starts sooner than he planned when a torn ligament forces him to leave the mound in the first inning in what will prove to be his worst big league outing and final major league appearance.
White Sox 3B Robin Ventura charges Nolan Ryan after a pitch hits him in the 3rd inning. Ryan gets Ventura in a headlock and throws six punches. Ventura is suspended two games for his actions, while Ryan is not disciplined.
1993 – Nolan Ryan pitches in the Dome for the last time, a 4-3 exhibition loss for his Texas Rangers. A packed house of over 53,000 cheer the 46-year-old Alvin legend. Luis Gonzalez’ three hits help to stake Pete Harnisch to a 4-0 lead over the future Hall-Of-Famer, who struck out only one batter in six innings.
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