ARLINGTON, Texas -- Nolan Ryan and Robin Ventura's first meeting in 19 years was much more peaceful than the last one. And less public.
Ryan and Ventura engaged in a famous on-field fight back on Aug. 4, 1993, after Ryan plunked Ventura with a fastball.
The two had never spoken since then, merely by circumstance. Ryan, now the Rangers CEO and part owner, quietly went into the White Sox clubhouse before Friday's Opening Day game to meet with Ventura.
According to the Rangers public relations staff, Ryan and Ventura shook hands and wished each other well. There will be no rematch, much to the chagrin of many still-bitter Rangers fans.
Some of the media was also disappointed, after pregame buzz about a possible on-field meeting during batting practice.
"I hope to see him and say hi to him, but I haven't made a point to go over," Ryan said in the Rangers dugout prior to Opening Day ceremonies. "But I might. We'll see how that works."
Ventura also downplayed the reunion in earlier comments, but the fight is still fresh in the minds of Rangers fans.
Video of Ryan pounding a headlocked Ventura had been a pregame staple at Rangers Ballpark, although club officials decided not to show the video while Ventura and the White Sox are in town.
The video always drew a hearty response, and likewise Ventura was booed by more than a few fans during Friday's pregame introductions. The two stars of the video don't share the same passion.
"I think that's been so far [back] in our history," Ryan said. "It was just one of those things, and it kind of took a life of its own."
Ryan was 46 at the time and in his final season of a 27-year major league career. It was also the final season of old Arlington Stadium.
Ventura, 20 years younger than Ryan, was the White Sox third baseman. He's now in his first season as the team's manager.
Ryan has become as beloved a figure in Texas as Sam Houston or Roger Staubach. Ventura, thanks to countless viewings of the fight, has become something of a local villain.
"Usually, players get over that type of stuff," Rangers manager Ron Washington said before the game. "I don't know whatever happened between Nolan and Robin, if they spoke or whatever, but when that time comes they'll be pros about it -- unless Nolan's got a ball in his hand and he tries to plunk him again."
Washington was joking about that last part, but he wasn't joking when he said about Ventura: "Robin is intense."
News of the possible meeting reached the Rangers clubhouse before the game.
"That's pretty cool," Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton said. "I'm glad we're not doing the whole [video] show before. That would be kind of awkward."
Then Hamilton asked eagerly: "When are they going to talk? I'll have to keep an eye out for that."
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
