Since every Cowboys game is a Game 6 these days, it's time to look to the 2012 baseball season, when Your Texas Rangers will celebrate 40 years in Arlington. And for those of us who've been going to games since first pitch at Arlington Stadium (thanks, Dad), today's announcement is full of all kinds of retro goodness.
For starters, at various points throughout the season the team will don Rangers unis of old -- even the power-blues of the Bicentennial season, for which I have a very soft spot. In addition, the patch you see here will decorate team jerseys throughout the '12 season -- and if you really dig 'em you'll be able to purchase beginning, oh, right now at the Majestic Grand Slam Shop at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. (The outlying Rangers outlets won't have 'em till later in the week.) And a parade of former Rangers greats will be at the Ballpark during home games. (Perhaps now would also be a good time to give David Clyde a contract of some kind so he can collect his pension?)
Jump for all the details, including throwback-uni dates and giveaway deets. And I do need a replacement for my 1974 cap.
TEXAS RANGERS ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR 40TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON IN 2012
Club to wear anniversary patch; four "turn-back-the-clock" uniforms games planned
Arlington, TX--The Texas Rangers today 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 CapSaturday, 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 MugSaturday, 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.
