ANAHEIM, Calif. – The last time Nolan Ryan threw a pitch at Angel Stadium of Anaheim was Sept. 17, 1993, when he pitched seven innings and didn't allow an earned run in a game the Texas Rangers lost 2-1.
That was also the last time Ryan was at the Anaheim stadium.
That stretch came to an end Friday when the Texas team president threw out of the first pitch before the series opener between the Rangers and Los Angeles Angels.
With his familiar high-leg kick, Ryan fired a strike after receiving a standing ovation and his Angels Hall of Fame ring. He was accompanied to the mound by his wife Ruth and grandson Jackson.
While it's been nearly 19 years since Ryan pitched in Anaheim, he remembers the game well.
"I had pretty good stuff," Ryan said. "Obviously I knew it was the last time I was going to pitch here so I was a little sentimental. The fans here have always treated me really and they did that night too."
Ryan's next start was his final in the majors as he hurt his right arm in a Sept. 22 start against Seattle.
"I have a ton on memories from here," said Ryan, who threw four of his seven no-hitters with the Angels. "When I come in here I always have very fond memories of my days and part of my career that was here and the relationships. I met some very important people in my career that I associate with that relationship and so obviously I view coming here totally different than all the other places."
Ryan pitched eight seasons for the Angels, going 138-121 with a 3.07 ERA. He struck out 2,416 in his time in California.
While he's back in California, he's now a part of the biggest rivals the Angels have in the Rangers. Ryan likes the way the rivalry between the two teams is heading.
"Them dominating the division for 10 years and then us coming in for the last couple of years and taking over that role and them making the commitment they did over the winter to improving the ball club it's starting to feel like it's going to be a battle between the two organizations," Ryan said. "I think it's good for baseball. It's good that people perceive it as a rivalry."
