Wed Feb 6 12:40:10 2008

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Report: Ryan named Rangers' president

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Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - The Texas Rangers have called an afternoon news conference at which time they are expected to name Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan as the team's new president.

Sources within the Rangers' organization and Ryan's Round Rock Express minor league franchise confirmed as much to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

According to the paper, Ryan met with Rangers owner Tom Hicks, among others, back on January 25 about the possibility of Ryan forgoing the final year of his personal services contract with the Houston Astros to return to the Rangers.

Ryan, of course, spent the final five years of his illustrious 27-year career with the Rangers and went into the Hall of Fame with them back in 1999.

Upon retiring after the 1993 season, Ryan spent an additional 10 years with the Texas organization, fulfilling a personal services contract with the Rangers during which the team used him as an adviser and for personal appearances.

With the Rangers, Ryan reached such milestones as his 5,000th strikeout, his 300th victory and his record-extending sixth and seventh no-hitters with the Rangers.

The 61-year-old Ryan went 324-292 with a 3.19 ERA over his career with the New York Mets, California Angels, Astros and Rangers. He also holds the record for most career major league strikeouts with 5,714.