Rangers Announce 40th Anniversary Plans
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Arlington, TX — The Texas Rangers announced a number of initiatives that will be taking place in conjunction with the team’s 40th Anniversary season in 2012.
The Rangers first year in Texas was 1972 after the franchise moved from Washington, D.C. following the 1971 season.
“We have a number of special initiatives planned to commemorate our 40th Anniversary,” commented Rangers CEO and President Nolan Ryan. “A number of memorable events and players have been a part of this franchise since 1972, and we will recognize our history all season.”
The Rangers will wear a 40th Anniversary patch on the right sleeve of the team’s white, blue, red, and grey jerseys throughout the 2012 season. The red, blue, and grey patches in the shape of the State of Texas will make their debut on the Rangers blue jerseys worn for all spring training games.
In addition, the team has scheduled four “Turn-Back-The-Clock” games in 2012 when the club will wear the home uniform from a different year in Rangers history. The visiting club on each date will be in the road uniforms of the respective years. In addition, the first 30,000 fans will receive a 40th Anniversary promotional item on each date.
The schedule for the 40th Anniversary Turn-Back-The-Clock Games:
Saturday, May 12 vs. Los Angeles Angels—1974 white home uniform
Giveaway: 1974 Rangers Cap
Saturday, June 16 vs. Houston—1986 white home uniform
Giveaway: Nolan Ryan Retro T-Shirt
Saturday, July 7 vs. Minnesota—1994 white home uniform
Giveaway: 40th Anniversary Mug
Saturday, August 11 vs. Detroit—1976 powder blue home uniform
Giveaway: Powder Blue T-Shirt
There will be other special events scheduled for each of those weekends with music for the Friday Fireworks Shows reflecting the respective decades.
The Rangers will also be naming a 40th Anniversary All-Time Team selected in fan balloting to be honored on Saturday, August 11. The local chapter of the Society of American Baseball Research is currently putting together a list of the 40 Most Memorable Moments in Rangers history that will have several applications next season.
Prior to each home game in 2012, a different former Ranger will deliver the game ball to the mound.
In conjunction with today’s announcement, Rangers 40th Anniversary merchandise will go on sale this afternoon at the Majestic Grand Slam Shop at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Items available will include authentic white home jerseys with the 40th Anniversary patches, adult T-Shirts, and framed commemorative pieces. Fans will also be able to purchase the 40th Anniversary patches separately. The merchandise will be available at the Dallas and Fort Worth Team Shops later in the week.
More 40th Anniversary plans will be announced as they are finalized.
