ARLINGTON, Texas – New Texas hitting coach Dave Magadan has a distinction many Rangers' fans might not like.
He ended Ryan's playing career.
Well kind of.
Magadan was the final batter Ryan faced on Sept. 22, 1993, in Seattle. Ryan threw two pitches in the bottom of the first to Magadan and then walked off the mound with what was later diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.
Now Magadan is working for Ryan, who wasn't aware that until recently that it was Magadan at the plate for his final pitch.
"It wasn't a real good day," Ryan said. "He (Magadan) and I were visiting about that day today and I told him my elbow was killing me in the bullpen that day and I was thinking 'Man if I can just get through the game.' It didn't get anything but worse and then it popped. I had no idea he was the later hitter I faced."
Magadan eventually walked in that at-bat, with Steve Dryer coming on for Ryan. The walk was credited to Ryan.
"It is pretty strange," Magadan said. "He had never been hurt his whole career. I lie to people and say he was just scared to face me."
