Nolan Ryan is retiring from the Texas Rangers again, this time leaving his CEO role 20 years after ending his Hall of Fame career as a pitcher.
Ryan says the move closes a chapter of his life in baseball. He feels it's time to move on to other things.
In his opening statement at a news conference Thursday, Ryan made a reference to resigning.
Asked about the difference in the team saying he's retiring, Ryan paused and then said he won't be CEO of another major league team.
His son, Reid, was named president of the Houston Astros earlier this year.
Rangers co-chairman Ray Davis says the ownership group is disappointed with Ryan's decision but understands it. The 66-year-old Ryan is also selling his ownership stake in the team.
Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig issued the following statement today regarding the retirement of Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan as Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Rangers:
“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.”
