For Immediate Release – April 26, 2006

Starting May 1, 2006, in celebration of the 15th anniversary of Nolan Ryan’s 7th No-Hitter on May 1, 1991, a limited number of game baseballs used in Ryan’s final season in 1993 for the Texas Rangers Baseball Club will be available for purchase.  On February 11, 1993, Nolan Ryan, announced that the 1993 season would be his last as an active player in the majors.  When he threw his final pitch on September 22 at Seattle, he owned the most strikeouts (5714), most no-hitters (7), and longest playing career of anyone in baseball history.

Each baseball comes with a certificate that authenticates it was prepared as a game ball for a Nolan Ryan start during his final season with the Texas Rangers in 1993.  The Texas Rangers Baseball Club has preserved the baseballs, and Major League Baseball has authenticated Nolan Ryan’s signature.  Each baseball will cost $299 plus $25 for tax, shipping, and handling.  A baseball from a specific 1993 home game may be ordered, subject to availability, with a special order fee of $99.  All proceeds from the sale of the baseballs will benefit the Nolan Ryan Foundation and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation.

The Nolan Ryan Foundation was formed in 1990.  Nolan generously gives his time for autographs and other fundraising efforts that enable the Foundation to provide resources for educational opportunities and community development.  Currently, the Foundation is fulfilling a pledge to the YMCA as they bring a new facility to Alvin, Texas, and has also partnered with The Miracle League to help build a baseball field for physically and mentally challenged children in Austin, Texas. 

The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, established in 1991, supports community endeavors in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.  The Foundation is dedicated to building homes for families through Habitat for Humanity as well as constructing youth baseball parks in the area.  It has also created many youth incentive programs such as the Wells Fargo/Texas Rangers Rookie League and provided financial aid to over 150 students to further their education through college scholarship programs.

For more information and to purchase the Nolan Ryan baseballs, please call 817-273-5214 or email community@texasrangers.com.