Dallas

Iconic Brawl Between Nolan Ryan and Robin Ventura Being Turned Into Art

It's been nearly 24 years since Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan and Chicago White Sox third baseman Robin Ventura came to blows during a baseball game in August 1993.

The image of Ryan holding Ventura – a man nearly half his age – in a headlock has withstood the test of time. Now, one Dallas artist wants to preserve the moment in art.

"It's just weird enough and old school enough for Texans to embrace it," said muralist Isaac Davies.

Davies has several works in Deep Ellum. Though the area is not known for drawing large crowds of sports fans, he believes the mural will speak to everyone.

"It's got that 'I'm going to defend my territory' feel. [Deep Ellum] is home plate for a lot of people,so I think it makes sense," Davies said.

The mural will be spray-painted outside Wits End on the 2700 block of Elm Street and is expected to be completed by Friday, weather permitting.

Davies chose the image, in part, to promote the bar's Sunday night hip-hop theme, but he still wants people to bring a critical eye to his work.

"Hip-hop is known for taking something and putting its own spin on it. Read between the lines. [The mural says] defend Dallas and defend your identity as a neighborhood, as a person, as yourself as an artist," he said.

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