Nolan Ryan returns to Angel Stadium for first time in 19 years

Nolan Ryan set foot in Angel Stadium on Friday for the first time in 19 years. The Texas Rangers President and CEO was on hand to receive a specially designed ring commemorating his membership in the Angels’ Hall of Fame and to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Rangers-Angels game.

The Hall of Fame pitcher who threw four of his seven no-hitters for the Angels has vivid memories of the last time he was on the Angel Stadium mound, on Sept. 17, 1993.

Ryan was a 46-year-old right-hander pitching for the Rangers, and in the second-to-last start of his distinguished 27-year career, he allowed one unearned run and four hits, struck out five and walked none in seven innings of a 2-1 loss to the Angels.

“I didn’t win, but I had pretty good stuff,” Ryan said. “I knew it was the last time I was going to pitch here. I was a little emotional. The fans here always treated me well.”

Ryan, who canceled a scheduled visit to throw out a ceremonial first pitch as part of the Angels’ 50th anniversary celebration because of health issues last July, is in enemy territory now.

That’s how much the Rangers-Angels rivalry has grown, with Texas winning the past two American League pennants after the Angels won the 2002 World Series and five of six AL West titles from 2004-2009.

“They dominated the division for many years, and we took over the last two years,” Ryan said. “They made a commitment to improving the club over the winter. It’s good for baseball, it’s good that people perceive it as a rivalry. I think it’s growing, developing, but do I think it’s at the level of the Boston-New York rivalry? No, I don’t.”

ALSO:

Bernie Nicholls is the Happiest KingClippers, Neil Olshey agree in principle to new contract

Dodgers’ brightest-prospect spotlight now shines past Jerry Sands