Nolan Ryan signs with the Astros

UNTLifer · February 17, 2004

front office has made the franchise the laughingstock of baseball.

Report: Nolan Ryan to rejoin Astros

06:59 AM CST on Tuesday, February 17, 2004

Associated Press

HOUSTON — Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan has agreed to a personal services contract with the Houston Astros, according to a broadcast report Monday night.
Ryan, who pitched for the Astros from 1980-1988, agreed to a five-year contract with the team after meeting with Astros owner Drayton McLane Jr. in Temple on Monday, Houston television station KRIV reported, quoting Major League baseball sources.
A woman answering the phone in the team's media relations office, who declined to give her name, told The Associated Press she could not confirm the report.
Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker said Feb. 10 that Ryan and McLane have had several conversations about a possible position with the organization.
Ryan ended his formal relationship with the Rangers a week ago by deciding not to sign a new personal services contract.
Ryan owns the Round Rock Express, which is the Astros' Double-A team and is expected to become a Triple-A team in 2005. He also is co-owner of a Corpus Christi minor league team, which will become the Astros' Double-A team in 2005.
Ryan's contract would allow the Astros to take advantage of his knowledge and experience.