Monday, September 16, 1996

Rangers retire Ryan's No. 34
By JAIME ARON
Associated Press

ARLINGTON - Nolan Ryan was no stranger to standing ovations during his playing days. These days, though, he doesn't get many as a banker, rancher and state parks and wildlife commissioner.

So Ryan was especially moved Sunday when the retirement of his No. 34 by the Texas Rangers brought a sellout crowd at The Ballpark in Arlington to its feet four times.

"Those are very special moments; it's hard to describe," Ryan said, flashing his trademark aw-shucks look of embarrassment. "After you've been removed from it for a while as I've been, it means even more. It makes you think about how much you miss it."

Ryan became the first player in team history to have his number set aside. The 20-minute ceremony, before Texas played Milwaukee, included speeches by Gov. George W. Bush, a Rangers minority owner, and former American League president Bobby Brown.

After a video montage to the song "Unforgettable" was played, Ryan emerged from the dugout with his wife, two sons and daughter for an extended ovation. The cheers continued before, during and after he spoke.

Ryan reflected on the disappointment he felt in 1988 when the Houston Astros declined to re-sign him, making him a free agent. And he recalled boarding a plane for the winter meetings in Atlanta, bound to sign with a new team.

"That was one of the lowest days in my life. I was discouraged that I wouldn't be finishing my career in Houston," Ryan said. "I didn't realize it at the time, but that was also one of the most important days of my career.

"I never felt so accepted and appreciated as I did by the Rangers organization and by the fans of the (Dallas-Fort Worth) metroplex. I signed with the intention of playing one year, but because of the fans ... I stayed five great years."

As a Ranger, Ryan cemented his Hall of Fame credentials by throwing his sixth and seventh no-hitters and surpassing milestones of 5,000 strikeouts and 300 wins.

He finished his 27-year career 324-292 with a 3.19 ERA. He holds or shares 53 major league records, most notably no-hitters (seven) and strikeouts (5,714).

The Rangers are the second team to retire Ryan's number, but only the first this month. The Astros will put No. 34 to rest Sept. 29, making Ryan the first player so honored by three teams.

California hung up the No. 30 Ryan wore for the Angels between 1972-79 in 1993, his final season.
To commemorate the honor in Arlington, the Rangers unveiled a sign on the facing of the right-field upper deck that reads "34 Nolan Ryan 34."

"When Nolan Ryan came here, he was a superstar," Rangers president Tom Schieffer said. "When he left, he was a legend.

"To retire a player's number is the highest honor a franchise can bestow on a player. Nolan, it's the most that we can do, but it is less than you deserve."

The Rangers have done plenty to honor Ryan: a major street in front of The Ballpark is named "Nolan Ryan Expressway," a stadium museum has held a monthlong exhibit entitled "Miracle Man: Nolan Ryan," and plans were announced Thursday for a Ryan statue to be dedicated next spring.

And, before the game, a traffic officer working the Ryan intersection greeted fans with this:
"What's the magic number? Thirty-four. Why? Because of Nolan Ryan. ... We're not worthy."