Nolan Ryan happy to see Robin Ventura get management seat with Chicago White Sox – MLB News
The Texas Rangers may be focused on Game 2 of the American League Championship Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington against the Detroit Tigers but their President and CEO, Nolan Ryan, was courteous enough to talk about Robin Ventura’s new role with the
Chicago White Sox as the Manager. Ryan spoke of Ventura when he was addressing the press on the postponement of Game 2 due to rain showers.
Ryan and Ventura have been involved in Major League Baseball’s worst bench clearing encounter in history. The two players may be over their last engagement, when they were still playing for their respective teams but the world has still not got enough of
their battle that ensued on August 4, 1993.
Ryan, 45 years-old, at the time, was pitching for the Rangers at their home ground against Ventura, who was 26-years-old. The hitter was present at the plate for the Chicago White Sox and he was looking to put his focus on the ball. Nolan Ryan however pitched
the ball up and it hit Ventura on the rib cage. Rather than taking a walk to first base, he charged up to Ryan for a fight.
Ryan put his pursuer in a headlock and began to punch him in the stomach. Before anything else happened, both teams cleared benches and entered the fray. The Rangers would go on to win the bout 5-2. Nolan Ryan is still surprised by how many people keep track
of that encounter.
"You know, I'm truly surprised by that," said Ryan. "I'm really happy for Robin, that he's getting that opportunity [to manage]. It should be with the White Sox. I think he's the type of person that you want to see in that position, because I think he's
good for baseball, and he knows the game. So I'm happy to see him in that position."
The Texas Rangers will be facing off with the Chicago White Sox at home on April 6, 2012, when the regular season kicks off again.
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