Ryan Says He Will Return to the Rangers Next Season

Nolan Ryan, baseball’s all-time strikeout leader and author of six no-hitters, will return to the Texas Rangers next season, according to a published report.

The Ft. Worth Star-Telegram reported today that Ryan said if the Rangers want him back, he’ll be back.

“I’ve let them know what my intentions are; now it’s their option,” the newspaper quoted Ryan as saying in today’s edition.

There is no doubt that the Rangers will pick up his option and pay him the $3.3 million called for in a contract he signed in spring training that was contingent on him wanting to pitch next year, sources said.

“We are really happy to know that Nolan wants to play another year,” Rangers President Mike Stone said. “He has been a major part of this franchise in the two years he has been here.

“He is a quality person and a tremendous individual. We are certainly glad to know he wants to pursue his distinguished career.”

Ryan, 43, had said he was going to wait until the end of the season to decide but wanted to make a decision before his children went back to school.

“Now, instead of stringing people along, I can be honest with them,” Ryan said. “I’m looking forward to pitching next season.

“In the early part of the summer, when my back wasn’t feeling good, I was a little apprehensive about coming back. But the last two games, it’s felt much better. I think it’s behind me. I’m feeling it less and less.”

Despite the back problems, Ryan is 13-7 this season with a 3.56 earned-run average. He has struck out 189 batters in 167 innings, pitched a no-hitter against the Oakland Athletics and reached the 300-victory plateau.