The 2012 MLB Rawlings Anniversary Baseballs – Red Sox, Dodgers, Orioles, Mets and Astros

By BLB Admin on April 13th, 2012

We’ve added the current 2012 Rawlings Official Major League Commemorative Baseballs to our “Museum,” and are happy to finally share hi-res, quality pictures with our readers. Closeup pics with full-color commemorative logos are below for comparison.

If you’re still looking to add any of these baseballs, just a reminder that USA Sports Marketing has them, along with the rare 2012 Japan All-Star Series and 2011 Florida Marlins Final Game balls. We hear that the 2012 Rawlings All-Star Game Baseballs have begun shipping; the Miami Marlins Park Inaugural Season Game ball isn’t far behind. There may also be some other rare baseballs on the way!

Onto the baseballs. First up, the MLB ballparks which are being celebrated this season for their anniversary years.

Fenway Park in Boston, 100th Anniversary. Photo: stadiumpage.com

The Boston Red Sox are celebrating the 100th Anniversary at Fenway Park. Check the site dedicated to the 100th Anniversary.

• Franchise founded in 1901. Fenway Park established, 1912.
• First professional baseball game: April 20, 1912. Red Sox defeated the New York Highlanders (Yankees) 7-6 in 11 innings.
• World Series Champions 7 times: 1903, 1912, 1915, 1916, 1918, 2004, 2007
• Retired Numbers: 1 Bobby Doer, 4 Joe Cronin, 6 Johnny Pesky, 8 Carl Yastrzemski, 9 Ted Williams, 14 Jim Rice, 27 Carlton Fisk. 42 retired league-wide for Jackie Robinson.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Dodger Stadium this season.

• Franchise established in 1883 in Brooklyn and relocated to Los Angeles, 1958
• Dodger Stadium: Established, 1962. First professional baseball game: April 10, 1962, a 6-3 loss to Cincinnati.
• World Series Champions 6 times: 1955 (Brooklyn), 1959, 1963, 1965, 1981, 1988
• Retired Numbers: 1 Pee Wee Reese, 2 Tommy Lasorda, 4 Duke Snider, 19 Jim Gilliam, 20 Don Sutton, 24 Walt Alston, 32 Sandy Koufax, 39 Roy Campanella, 42 Jackie Robinson, 53 Don Drysdale

Just noticed – those sun ray / star burst design on the original logo didn’t make it onto the ball. No idea why…

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Baltimore Orioles Oriole Park at Camden Yards 20th Anniversary. Photo: stadiumpage.com

Oriole Park at Camden Yards turned 20 this season. The Baltimore Orioles are Celebrating with 20th Anniversary commemorative patches and official game balls.

• Franchise Founded in 1901 (Milwaukee). Relocated from St. Louis (Browns) to Baltimore in 1954
• Oriole Park at Camden Yards Inaugural Season: 1992. First game April 6, 1992, 2-0 win vs. Cleveland Indians
• World Series Champions 3 times: 1966, 1970, 1983
• Retired Numbers: 4 Earl Weaver, 5 Brooks Robinson, 8 Cal Ripken Jr., 20 Frank Robinson, 22 Jim Palmer, Eddie Murray 33. 42 Jackie Robinson retired league-wide.

 

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New York Polo Grounds, Home of the 1962 NY Mets

 

1962 New York Mets Inaugural Game at the Polo Grounds

Continuing the season of anniversary baseballs: Two teams are celebrating their franchise’s 50th years in Major League Baseball. First up, the New York Mets.

• Franchise established: 1962. 1st Season played at Polo Grounds, with an MLB all-time worst 40-120 record
• First MLB game in history: Lost 11-4 at St. Louis Cardinals.1st Home Game: Lost to Pittsburgh Pirates, 4-3.
• World Series Champions 2 times:  1969, 1986
• Retired Numbers: 14 Gil Hodges, 37 Casey Stengel, 41 Tom Seaver. 42 Jackie Robinson retired league-wide.

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Colt Stadium 1962, Home of the Houston Colt .45s - Astros

 

Houston Colt .45s (Astros) Inaugural Game, 1962

Finally, the Houston Astros 50th Anniversary. The Astros now have a 50th Anniversary Website.

• Founded: 1962 as the Houston Colt .45s
• First MLB Game: 11-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on April 10, 1962
• World Series Championships – None. One appearance, 2005
• Retired Numbers: 5 Jeff Bagwell, 7 Craig Biggio, 24 Jimmy Wynn, 25 Jose Cruz, 32 Jim Umbricht, 33 Mike Scott, 40 Don Wilson, 49 Larry Dierker. 42 retired league-wide for Jackie Robinson.

 

 

 

We’ll add the 2012 Marlins Opening Night and Inaugural Season baseballs once they’re available.