Big Tex wins again: Nolan Ryan’s team owns Rangers

ARLINGTON, TEXAS (AP) - Add one more win for Big Tex.

Nolan Ryan became the first former big leaguer in generations to own a ballclub when his group emerged from an all-night bidding war early Thursday with control of the Texas Rangers.

“Did I ever think I’d be in a position to be an owner of a major league team?” the Hall of Fame pitcher said, repeating the question. “Not at all. But I never thought I’d throw seven no-hitters, either.”

The auction came 17 years to the day after Ryan’s memorable tussle with Chicago White Sox star Robin Ventura on the mound at old Arlington Stadium, now paved over with a parking lot.

Ryan came out on top in that scuffle, too, punching Ventura while holding him in a headlock.

“It’s funny how dates coincide,” Ryan said with a chuckle.

Just as Ryan and sports attorney Chuck Greenberg were submitting their final bid in bankruptcy court in Fort Worth, Michael Young was hitting a grand slam to seal the AL West-leading Rangers‘ 11-6 win at Seattle.

“I hope that was omen,” Ryan said.

Around 1 a.m., the Greenberg-Ryan group won out over Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

Ryan declined to disclose percentages of ownership, but said he is a minority owner. He will remain team president and Greenberg will serve as CEO.

“It was a long night, but a very productive night,” Ryan said.

Someone offered Ryan a bottle of champagne after this victory, but the 63-year-old former ace was drained.

“I had a small sip of it, but I was so tired I wanted to go home,” he said.

Major League Baseball could formally approve the sale next week.

Ryan said he never thought of the consequences of not being a part of the Rangers _ where he pitched his final five seasons _ or whether he would have worked for Cuban.

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