In Dallas, Evan Grant notes the Rangers' Aug. 31 jersey retirement for Michael Young will give them a "legacy to take into" the team's new Globe Life Field. The recent retirement of Adrian Beltre's number, the induction of Josh Hamilton into the team's HOF later this summer and the retirement of Young's number are "links to the greatest era in the organization's history." When the Rangers move into Globe Life Field next season, there will be "reminders of something this club has never had before: a legitimate and proud history" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 6/19).
LIMITED EDITION: In Houston, Matt Young notes the Astros' exclusive Bobblehead of the Month for June "celebrates George Springer's status as the clubhouse DJ." The monthly promotion is "always a hot item in the team store and on eBay." The Astros "ensure the exclusivity of the bobbleheads by making an extremely limited amount of each version, selling them for $100, and making them available only at the team store at Minute Maid Park." By 1:00pm CT yesterday, the bobbleheads of the CF "were sold out." There "already is a Springer DJ bobblehead listed on eBay for $250" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 6/19).
BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY: In Syracuse, Lindsay Kramer notes the Triple-A Int'l League Mets' attendance numbers show the franchise’s affiliation with the big league club is "paying off at the gate." Through 38 home games (34 openings), Syracuse is "averaging a paid attendance of 4,505," good for a 22.7% increase "over a figure of 3,669 at approximately the same point last season." The '18 season was Syracuse’s last as an affiliate of the Nationals (Syracuse POST-STANDARD, 6/19).
