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ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Nolan Ryan ended his formal relationship with the Texas Rangers on Monday, more than 10 years after the final pitch of his career.
The Hall of Famer decided not to sign a new personal services contract.
He spent his final five seasons (1989-93) with the Rangers, throwing the last two of his seven no-hitters and recording his 5,000th strikeout. His pitching contract included the post-playing career deal to make appearances on behalf of the team.
"This was an extremely difficult decision for me," Ryan said in a statement. "Ultimately, I decided that I just could not make the necessary time commitment to have a meaningful and expanded relationship with the Texas Rangers."
Ryan owns the Round Rock Express, a minor league team expected to become a Triple-A franchise in 2005 when he adds a minor league team in Corpus Christi. His banking business also expanded in the last year.
Rangers owner Tom Hicks was disappointed but understood Ryan's decision. The two met several times to discuss a new contract.
"Nolan is a very close friend and a member of the Texas Rangers family, and he always will be," Hicks said.
Hicks said the proposed deal called for Ryan to have "a lot more meaningful" relationship beyond personal appearances. He had hoped that Ryan would work with the team's pitchers and help the business side of the organization.
"The Texas Rangers have been an important part of my life and that of my family's for the last 15 years," Ryan said. "The organization will always been special to us, and I'm sure our paths will cross often."
Ryan also has been approached about a personal services contract with the Houston Astros, the team he pitched for from 1980-88. Round Rock currently is the Astros' Double-A team.
Ryan was 324-292 with 5,714 strikeouts and a 3.19 ERA in 27 major league seasons with the New York Mets, California, Houston and Texas.
[Career Statistics]
[The New York Mets Years]
[The California Angels Years]
[The Houston Astros Years]
[The Texas Rangers Years]
[7 Career No-Hitters]
[5,714 Career Strikeouts]
[Records]
[Achievements]
[Cooperstown Class Of 1999]
[Nolan Ryan Baseball Cards]
[Quotes]
[The Nolan Ryan Story]
[Miscellaneous Features]
[Books, Videos, & Collectibles]
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