Texas Rangers: The Curse of Nolan Ryan. Real or Myth?

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

So why do I give a history lesson of the last 60-70 years? One, to show just how similar these franchises are or were in terms of fate in the World Series. But also, to prove that nothing is given in baseball, or any sport for that matter. Texas went to back-to-back World Series and lost both of them. Granted, the second was closer than the first, but nevertheless, they had an opportunity.

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It cannot really be a “curse” unless the person made an impact on the franchise. Babe Ruth, while winning his championships with the New York Yankees, certainly made an impact in Boston. And the same holds true for Nolan Ryan.

Ryan, arguably the best pitcher of all time, is baseball’s all-time leader in strikeouts and is the all-time leader in no-hitters with seven. He joined the Texas Rangers in 2009 when he was hired as the President. Before he got there, Texas was a mess, recording seven 70 win seasons in a ten year span. Under Ryan’s leadership from 2008-2012, Texas went 445-365 while compiling two consecutive division titles and the best record in Texas Rangers history (96-66) during the 2011 campaign.

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