Nolan Ryan To Resign October 31
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The Texas Rangers announced Thursday that CEO Nolan Ryan is retiring, effective Oct. 31.
Ryan, a Hall-of-Fame pitcher, joined the Rangers as president in 2008 and became CEO in 2011.
During Ryan’s six seasons as a Rangers executive, the club went to the World Series twice (2010 and ’11) and had the fifth-highest winning percentage (.551) in the major leagues. Texas has won at least 87 games in each of the last five years, including four straight 90-win seasons.
“This is the right time for me to step down from my role of overseeing the Rangers organization,” Ryan said in a statement. “I am extremely proud of what this organization has accomplished. On the field, we have enjoyed great success at the major league level. The fans have supported us in record numbers the last two years and we have been able to upgrade the ballpark and enhance the in-game experience to reward that loyalty.
“We have a group of talented and passionate employees who have helped make this success possible. This organization is in good hands. I am leaving with a lot of great memories from
my tenure here and I know the organization will continue to thrive in the years to come.”
Ryan considered leaving after last season as his status was uncertain when Jon Daniels was given the title of president of baseball operations and Rick George, who is now the athletic director at Colorado, was named president of business operations.
However, the team’s ownership group convinced Ryan to stay through this season.
“Under Nolan’s leadership and guidance over the last six years, the Rangers organization has made enormous strides both on and off the field,” said Rangers co-chairmen Ray Davis and Bob Simpson in a statement. “Nolan has meant so much to this franchise and to our fans. We thank him for his many contributions, including his role in helping to develop one of the finest baseball operations staff in the game.
“Today we turn the page on what we believe is a very bright future for this organization. We wish Nolan all the best.”
In a statement, commissioner Bud Selig said, “On behalf of Major League Baseball, I thank Nolan for his service to the Texas Rangers since 2008, a successful era that has been most memorable to the club’s fans. During times of significant change for the franchise, Nolan has been a constant — accessible, dedicated and an icon to his fellow Texans who love our game.
“Nolan’s unique perspective as a legendary player and an accomplished executive has been invaluable to the Rangers franchise. I am certain that Nolan will continue to be a great credit to Major League Baseball and an exemplary ambassador for the National Pastime in the state of Texas and beyond.
