It was 20 years ago that the Texas Rangers won the first division title in franchise history. The club today announced it will honor the members of that memorable team prior to the game on Tuesday, June 21, when Texas hosts the Cincinnati Reds at 7:05 p.m.
The 1996 Rangers finished the regular season with a 90-72 record to win the American League West Division by 4.5 games. Outfielder Juan Gonzalez earned BBWAA A.L. Most Valuable Player honors and the late Johnny Oates was selected as the BBWAA A.L. Co-Manager of the Year with New York's Joe Torre. Gonzalez and Oates join outfielder Rusty Greer, catcher Ivan Rodriguez, pitcher Jeff Russell, and team President Tom Schieffer as members of that club elected to the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame.
Over 20 players and coaches, along with Schieffer and General Manager Doug Melvin, have already committed to attend the June 21 game. In addition to Greer, Rodriguez, and Russell, that group includes RHP Mark Brandenburg, OF Damon Buford, RHP John Burkett, 1B Will Clark, RHP Mike Henneman, RHP Ken Hill, 2B Mark McLemore, OF Warren Newson, LHP Darren Oliver, 3B Dean Palmer, DH, Mickey Tettleton, C Dave Valle, RHP Bobby Witt, and coaches Larry Hardy, Rudy Jaramillo, and Jerry Narron.
Prior to the on-field ceremony, Clark and Rodriguez will take part in the Rangers' Evening with a Legend Series, Presented by Capital One Bank.
Couples attending the event will pose for photographs and receive an autograph baseball from Clark and Rodriguez as well as tickets to the Texas-Cincinnati game that night and a Rangers Goody Bag. There will be a question and answer session with the two players as well as other special features. Guests will also be treated to a multi-course dinner.
An Evening with a Legend is priced at $500.00 per couple and space is limited. The event will take place from 5:00 until 6:30 p.m. in the Hall of Fame at Globe Life Park in Arlington.
Net proceeds will benefit the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation. For tickets and more information on Evening with a Legend, please go to texasrangers.com/foundation or call 817-273-5030.