Rangers' giveaway celebrates Nolan Ryan's 'bloody lip' game

Field Level Media|published: Wed 27th May, 11:42 2026

Sep 29, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Former Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan throws out the first pitch before the game between the Rangers and the New York Yankees in the final home game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Texas Rangers found a colorful way to promote a stadium blood drive being held on Friday in Arlington.

All fans attending the series opener against the Kansas City Royals at Globe Life Field will receive a "Nolan Ryan Bloody Lip" jersey.

The unique promotional item "replicates the stain" that was created when a comebacker off the bat of Royals outfielder Bo Jackson struck Hall of Fame pitcher Ryan in the face on Sept. 8, 1990 at Arlington Stadium.

"Despite suffering a blood-gushing wound on his bottom lip, which stained his jersey, Ryan remained in the game and went on to fire (seven) innings of one-run ball as part of a 2-1 Texas victory," the Rangers said in a news release on Wednesday.

The Rangers also are encouraging fans to don bloody lip makeup for a chance to appear on the "Bloody Lip Cam" on the jumbotron during the game.

Carter BloodCare will host a blood drive outside the stadium beginning at 3:30 p.m. CT on Friday.

In addition to the promotional jerseys, a pregame happy hour at the ballpark will offer red-dyed beers for $4.49 "as a nod to Ryan's grit" from the time the gates open at 5 p.m. CT until the first pitch.

--Field Level Media

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