Nolan Writin'
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Who is the ‘GOAT’ in Texas Rangers franchise history?

By Seth Carlson

Aug 14, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Former Texas Rangers Adrian Beltre (L) and Ivan Rodriguez (R) walk off the field after the Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Former Texas Rangers Adrian Beltre (L) and Ivan Rodriguez (R) walk off the field after the Hall of Fame induction ceremony before the game against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 29, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Former Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan throws out the first pitch before the game between the Rangers and the New York Yankees in the final home game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Former Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan throws out the first pitch before the game between the Rangers and the New York Yankees in the final home game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Nolan Ryan

The Ryan Express made his final stop in Arlington with the Texas Rangers between 1989-1993.

Though Nolan Ryan’s stint with the team was short, his impact was large, as the Hall of Fame right-hander tossed two no-hitters with the Rangers and led the league in strikeouts in 1989 and 1990, while making the All-Star team in that 1989 season.

In total, Ryan’s five years in Texas led to a 3.43 ERA and 2.91 FIP, good for a solidly above average 116 ERA+ and a hefty 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings.

The impact wouldn’t be limited to the diamond, however, as he would be an instrumental member of the Rangers’ front office during their two World Series runs in 2010 and 2011.

Ryan, like Beltre, also has his number (34) up in the rafters of Globe Life Field, and was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame, as well as the National Baseball Hall of Fame for his career excellence.

There was never a shortage of memorable moments for Ryan in Arlington, from those aforementioned World Series appearances to the bloody nose game, to the fight with Robin Ventura, and those two no-nos. Nolan is a Texan through and through and was one of the greatest players in baseball history, let alone just Texas Rangers history.

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