Texas CEO Nolan Ryan sees similarity between himself and Derek Holland
There is not much one can say about Derek Holland. The current leadoff pitcher for the Texas Rangers is proving to be a rising star in the midst, as the hurler is picking up steam in the World Series. Probably not scheduled to pitch as a starter again in
this year, he will leave many Rangers’ fans asking for more as he pulled up a 4 – 0 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4 of the World Series on Sunday, October 23, at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Nolan Ryan spoke of a similar performance
from his career. He talked to the press on Monday, October 24.
Ryan, CEO and President of the Rangers, told the press how he had a similar moment in his past when he took the mound for the New York Mets in the National League Championship Series in 1969. While Holland started for the Rangers and pitched 8 1/3 innings,
conceding just two hits and two walks, Ryan came out to pitch from the bullpen.
The Atlanta Braves were 2 – 0 in Game 3 of the Championship Series and the Mets needed a win to clinch the series. Luckily, Ryan provided the assist. He struck out Rio Carty and then walked Orlando Cepeda to load bases. He then struck out Clete Boyer and
then retired Bob Didier to end the third inning on a bases loaded situation.
He would go on to pitch 7 1/3 innings for the Mets in that game before his team walked off with a 7 – 4 victory.
"To bring me in that situation, I was as dumbfounded as the fans were when he brought me in," Ryan said. "But that was a big moment in my career, and I pitched 7 1/3 innings to finish it out. So it had an impact on my career. So do I think [Sunday] night
is going to have an impact on Derek Holland's career? Yeah, I really do.
"Do I think he's going to struggle at times? Yeah, he's going to continue to struggle at times, but I think that what he experienced [Sunday] night and what he accomplished is going to be very beneficial to him."
With Derek Holland steaming, the Rangers will hope the World Series will end in Game 6 at the Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
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