The Texas Rangers distributed replica blood-stained Nolan Ryan jerseys to all attending fans at Globe Life Field on Friday, May 29, 2026.
The promotional event took place during the opening game of a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals.
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The giveaway commemorates an iconic 1990 game where the Hall of Fame pitcher suffered a bloodied lip from a Bo Jackson comebacker but stayed on the mound.
On September 8, 1990, the then-43-year-old Ryan was struck in the face by a line drive off the bat of Kansas City's 27-year-old star outfielder, Bo Jackson, during the second inning at Arlington Stadium.
Despite a gushing wound that covered his number 34 jersey in scarlet smears, Ryan successfully fielded the ball to throw Jackson out at first base.
The right-handed pitcher refused medical intervention and went on to pitch seven innings, allowing only three hits in an eventual 2-1 victory.
The moment was immortalized by Fort Worth freelance photographer Linda Kaye, whose snapshot became a legendary piece of Texas sports history.
Rangers official historian John Blake noted that the unique photograph is the sole reason the dramatic moment remains deeply embedded in the public consciousness.
Rangers management explained that creating the item required an extensive development process, involving multiple vendors and seven distinct prototypes to accurately match the pattern and color of the original bloodstains.
Zach Geist, Rangers director of promotions, collaborated with Chief Business Officer Jim Cochrane to design the giveaway item.
