Astros Rivals: Five Reasons To Hate The Texas Rangers

Jul 27, 2014; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Hall of Fame player Nolan Ryan responds to being introduced during the class of 2014 national baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Reason #4:

Nolan Ryan left the Astros to play for the Rangers in 1989. This is one of those events that fans like myself took personally. If there was any consolation, it was that he didn’t leave the state of Texas.

During his nine seasons with the Astros, Ryan posted a 106-94 record with a 3.13 ERA, 38 complete games, 13 shutouts,  and 1866 strikeouts. He pitched one of his seven no-hitters in an Astros uniform on September 26, 1981. He helped lead Houston to postseason appearances in 1980, 1981, and 1986. He was from nearby Alvin!

And then he left to finish his career in Arlington and recorded two more no-hitters. He even went into the baseball Hall of Fame with a Rangers cap on his plaque. Rubbing salt in the wound, one Rangers blog had the audacity to name their site after him – Nolan Writin’.

(My feelings are still a little hurt.)

Thankfully we got “The Ryan Express” back last year.

Next: Globe Life Park in Arlington