Quote (txO4 @ Oct 17 2013 01:49pm)
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Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan is retiring as CEO of the Texas Rangers, effective Oct. 31, the team announced Thursday.
"This is the right time for me to step down from my role of overseeing the Rangers organization," Ryan said in a release sent out by the club. "I am extremely proud of what this organization has accomplished. On the field, we have enjoyed great success at the major league level. The fans have supported us in record numbers the last two years and we have been able to upgrade the ballpark and enhance the in-game experience to reward that loyalty.
"We have a group of talented and passionate employees who have helped make this success possible. This organization is in good hands. I am leaving with a lot of great memories from my tenure here and I know the organization will continue to thrive in the years to come."
Ryan was named the 10th president in Rangers history in February 2008 and added the CEO title in March 2011.
When Ryan arrived, Jon Daniels was already the general manager and he had hired manager Ron Washington the previous season. Ryan oversaw a club that improved dramatically, going fighting for third in the AL West to winning the division in 2010 and 2011, making the World Series both seasons.
Ryan contemplating leaving last offseason as his status was uncertain after he had an issue with what his role would be when Daniels was given the title of president of baseball operations and Rick George, who is now the athletic director at Colorado, was named president of business operations. It left Ryan wondering exactly what his duties would be.
It took several face-to-face meetings during spring training with members of the ownership group, including co-chairman of the board Bob Simpson, to convince Ryan to stay on as CEO through the 2013 season. But he's decided to step away now.
"Under Nolan's leadership and guidance over the last six years, the Rangers organization has made enormous strides both on and off the field," said Rangers Co-Chairmen Ray Davis and Bob Simpson in the release. "Nolan has meant so much to this franchise and to our fans. We thank him for his many contributions, including his role in helping to develop one of the finest baseball operations staff in the game.
"Today we turn the page on what we believe is a very bright future for this organization. We wish Nolan all the best."