Monday Newsletter time: Record crowd proves Nolan Ryan can still bring it

Jeff Wilson May 2, 2022

(AP photo/LM Otero)

ARLINGTON — Nolan Ryan tried to comfort Bradley Jackson, director of the Facing Nolan documentary, about his upcoming ceremonial first pitch Sunday. It couldn’t be any worse that the one-hopper Ryan delivered before the final game at Globe Life Park, he said.

Later, Ryan said that his arm is shot, the result of a shoulder injury from trying to teach his grandkids how to skip rocks. Being 75 might have something to do with it, too.

“I can’t throw a lick anymore,” Ryan said.

As early as the first inning, though, it was evident that Ryan can still bring it.

On the 31st anniversary of his seventh no-hitter and with a postgame showing of the documentary planned, a record 38,316 fans flocked to Globe Life Field. President George Bush was there, too.

The Texas Rangers beat the Atlanta Braves 7-3 and took two of the three weekend games from the defending World Series champions. But a sellout crowd probably doesn’t show up if Ryan and his documentary aren’t part of the day.

Ryan participated in a Q&A with PA announcer Chuck Morgan. Ryan was in a good mood when he spoke to the media before the game, talking about how the documentary was a tad different from what he had expected.

“I thought it would be more focused on on my career and what happened in my career,” said Ryan, a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. “I guess really never even thought about the family aspect of it and the involvement with our children and our grandchildren. And I’m really thrilled that they did that because I think they captured what was really an important role that played in my career.”

Watch the entire press conference at the YouTube link below, and please subscribe to the channel (it’s free!).

Lowe awarded

First baseman Nathaniel Lowe was selected as the Rangers Player of the Month for April after batting .313 on a team that struggled to consistently generate offense.

Lowe was the choice over Corey Seager, who clubbed a team high four homers and led the team with 12 RBIs. Right-hander Dane Dunning, catcher Jonah Heim and left-handers Martin Perez and Brock Burke were also on the ballot presented to media members who covered the team regularly.

It wasn’t a very robust class, to say the least, but Lowe appears to be doing what the Rangers needed to see from him. He’s improving after his first full season in 2021. He needed to tap into his power more, after hitting only one April homer.

More should be on the way.

ICYMI …

For a retired guy, T.R. Sullivan sure is writing a lot. He cranked out a three-part memoir last week, but is taking his week off to tend to some other assignments. He’s helping Rangers Today in keeping the content coming, and it’s been a busy few days. Here’s our latest in case you missed it.

The Sunday Read: Wash and Marcus

Friday on the Farm: Latest on Sam Huff

T.R.’s Memoirs: Oh, those closers. Part I, Part II, Part III

Wash turns 70

Texas Rangers Baseball Podcast Episode 33 (click that thing below)