Nolan Ryan

The Los Angeles Angels franchise has enjoyed plenty of success since being established back in 1961. While the Angels have a relatively short franchise history in comparison to some MLB teams, there has been no shortage of both team and player achievements. The Angels have seen multiple MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of Year Award winners, as well as a World Series Championship in their franchise’s history.

Let's go back 25 years to Aug. 22, 1989, to appreciate Nolan Ryan doing something that hadn't been done before, hasn't been done since and may never be done again.

Ryan, then a 42-year-old veteran in his first year with the Texas Rangers, began a game against the Oakland A's needing six strikeouts to reach 5,000 for his career. Hardly a tall order for The Ryan Express, so the only real question was who would help him make history.

Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan has been off the mound for over two decades, but he can't seem to stay away from the game of baseball.   

The 67-year-old will now reunite with the Houston Astros in an advisory role, as first reported by Brian McTaggart of MLB.com:

MLB players involved in the Biogenesis scandal may not be suspended in 2013, according to an ESPN Dallas report.

At the rate Josh Hamilton started this season, you just knew that he was bound to do something special at some point in this season.

Well, wait no more for that special moment.

Perhaps it's just coincidence and happenstance, but it seems like the New York Mets have had the worst luck and/or timing when it comes to collecting talent on their roster.

Whenever they would obtain a perennial All-Star-type player or former MVP, that player would prove to be a huge bust and completely tank with the Mets.

On the flip side, the Mets seem to always trade away or let go of players who would go on to lead All-Star, MVP and even Hall of Fame careers.

Texas Rangers CEO and managing partner Chuck Greenberg was forced to resign his position in Arlington for the Texas Rangers.

As expected, Nolan Ryan wouldn’t say what really went on to cause the departure of Greenberg. However, we can all speculate.

You remember Chuck Greenberg, the Texas Rangers CEO who couldn't keep his foot out of his over-sized mouth? Remember him?

During the 26-year career of Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, he struck out 5,714 batters, a record likely to never be broken. Ryan also gave up a record 2,795 walks.

However, this time Ryan was not about to give a free pass to Texas Rangers CEO Chuck Greenberg. The Ryan Express just rolled through Arlington, TX, and Greenberg was Ryan’s latest victim.

Following the most successful season in franchise history, the Texas Rangers have had an eventful off-season as they prepare to defend their 2010 American League Championship.

From feuds with rival franchises to dramatic encounters with their own players, the winter months have been anything but boring as the Rangers have thrust themselves into baseball's spotlight with on-field success as well as off-field controversies.