Photo courtesy of 2911 Media
The Texas Rangers paid tribute to the late Charley Pride by naming their spring training complex in Surprise, Arizona “Charley Pride Field.” Pride, once a ball player himself before turning to country music held a part-ownership stake in the MLB team.
The Rangers made the announcement of the dedication Sunday on Twitter with the unveiling of the Charley Pride Field signage at the Arizona spring training site. “Introducing Charley Pride Field! You are greatly missed,” the team tweeted.
Charley Pride passed away December 12, 2020 from complications related to COVID-19. At the time of his death, Pride was part of the ownership group that purchased the Texas Rangers in 2010. For the next ten years, Pride was a frequent visitor of the team, including yearly stops at the spring training facility.
“Mr. Pride’s first love was baseball. He pitched professionally in the Negro and Minor Leagues throughout the 1950’s before embarking on his Hall of Fame singing career of more than 60 years,” the Texas Rangers said in a statement following Pride’s death.
“Mr. Pride then became a regular participant at Texas Rangers spring training camps in Pompano Beach and Port Charlotte, Florida and Surprise, Arizona, working out with the team and staging an annual clubhouse concert for players and staff, a tradition that continued through this past spring.” Even before assuming part-ownership, Pride was a fixture at the team’s spring training.
Video courtesy of SMU Jones Film and YouTube
In July 2020, Pride made one of his final live performances at the Rangers’ new Globe Life Field in Arlington when he sang the National Anthem. It was the first-ever baseball game played at the new facility, although the stands were empty due to coronavirus restrictions.
Video courtesy of 2911 Media and YouTube
“The Rangers have been honored to have Mr. Pride be a part of the team’s ownership group for the last ten years. A longtime resident of this area, he was a regular at home games when his schedule permitted… Mr. Pride was a true gentleman, and we will never forget the lasting contributions he has made to the Texas Rangers organization,” the team added in December.
Photo courtesy of 2911 Media
*Featured photo courtesy of 2911 Media
