Page "Nolan Ryan" Paragraph 33

Before the 1993 season, Ryan announced his retirement, effective at the end of that season.

On August 4, just before the end, Ryan had yet another high profile moment – this time an on-the-mound fight.

After Ryan hit Robin Ventura of the Chicago White Sox, Ventura charged the mound in order to fight Ryan, who was 20 years his senior.

Ryan secured the 26-year-old Ventura in a headlock with his left arm, while pummeling Ventura's head with his right fist six times before catcher Iván Rodríguez was able to pull Ventura away from Ryan.

Ryan stated afterwards it was the same maneuver he used on steers he had to brand on his Texas ranch.

Videos of the incident were played that evening throughout the country.

While Ventura was ejected, Ryan – who had barely moved from his spot on the mound in the fracas – was allowed to remain in the game.

White Sox manager Gene Lamont vehemently argued this, leading to his own ejection.

Ryan pitched hitless ball the rest of the way.

He had determined to be more aggressive after coming out on the wrong side of an altercation with Dave Winfield in 1980.