Black tape on Angels early 1970s jerseys

[RJB44]

Does anyone know the reason why Angels players wore strip of black tape on sleeve during the early 1970s? Below is a picture of Any Hassler, unknown year. I believe I also saw this elsewhere .

Thanks

[ironmanfan]

Does anyone know the reason why Angels players wore strip of black tape on sleeve during the early 1970s? Below is a picture of Any Hassler, unknown year. I believe I also saw this elsewhere .

Thanks

I believe that was for recently deceased infielder, Mike Miley

[sox83cubs84]

It's not for Miley. Mike Miley died on 1/6/77. Photos on Topps 1975 cards would indicate that the black tape swatches were worn in spring training 1974.

I believe it was due to the death of an organization minor leaguer, but I cannot cite name nor cause of death.

Dave Miedema

[freddiefreeman5]

Was it for Jimmie Reese?

http://www.chatterfromthedugout.com/greatest_angel.htm

[freddiefreeman5]

Never mind, Reese didn't pass on until the '90's. :o RIP Reese.

[freddiefreeman5]

Chico Ruiz died in a car crash in 1972.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-angels-ruiz_khuj2jnc,0,56611.photo

[012562]

The correct answer is that Angels minor league pitcher Bruce Heinbechner was killed in a two car crash near Palm Springs, CA on March 10, 1974. Obviously this was during spring training. He had spent all of 1972 and 1973 with the Angels AAA team in Salt Lake City. Heinbechner had played in spring games with the big league club in 1974 prior to his death.

The Angels actually did not put a piece of black tape on the jerseys as has been mentioned previously. That is a piece of slightly glossy cloth ribbon that is sewn on the jerseys in an almost crude manner. I have a few of these shirts with the black patch still attached in my collection. They appear on many 1975 Topps cards since many of those images were taken during 1974 spring training. It should be noted that Angels wore hand me down uniforms in spring training back then, including the minor leagues. In 1974 spring training, at least some of the Angels minor leaguers were still using one year only style 1972 knit button up jerseys, as I have a few of these with the same cloth patch.

Tom Duino

[freddiefreeman5]

I was this close! :D

[RJB44]

Bruce Heinbechner