In the second inning of a Sept. 8, 1990, game between the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals, designated hitter Bo Jackson of the Royals smacked a sharp one-hopper back to the mound that pitcher Nolan Ryan wasn’t able to field cleanly.
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The ball deflected off the pitcher’s glove and hit him in the face, opening a two-inch gash in his lower lip that required six stitches to close after the game.
Ryan picked up the ball, threw out Jackson at first base, and resumed pitching without leaving the field. He threw seven innings without allowing a run — or getting a stitch. He left the game with a 1-0 lead in the eighth inning and a whole bunch of blood on his jersey.
Afterward, Ryan received six stitches in his lip to close the wound, his red stained jersey testifying to his perseverance.
On May 29, fans at Globe Life Park can get their hands on a bloody jersey of their own. The Rangers, appropriately, are hosting the Kansas City Royals that night. All fans will receive a “bloody” jersey with Ryan’s #34 on the front and his name on the back.
The Rangers announced their entire 2026 promotional schedule Tuesday. The giveaway with the blood on it is more likely to stir the pot than the others.
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