Nolan Ryan is a legendary baseball player known for his incredible pitching abilities and longevity in the sport. One of the most memorable stories about him occurred in 1993 when he was already 46 years old and playing for the Texas Rangers.
During a game against the Chicago White Sox, Ryan was pitching in the top of the fifth inning when he hit batter Robin Ventura with a pitch. Ventura, who was just 26 years old at the time and known for his fiery temperament, charged the mound and tackled Ryan.
But Ryan, who was no stranger to on-field altercations, quickly put Ventura in a headlock and began pummeling him with punches. Despite the fact that Ventura was more than 20 years his junior, Ryan held his own in the brawl and emerged victorious.
The incident became known as the "Ryan Express Fight" and was replayed on sports highlights for years to come. While it wasn't Ryan's proudest moment, it cemented his status as one of the toughest and most intimidating players in baseball history.
Of course, Ryan's legacy goes far beyond this one incident. Over the course of his 27-year career, he amassed 5,714 strikeouts (a record that still stands today) and threw an incredible seven no-hitters. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999, and his impact on the sport is still felt today.
