1972 Major League Baseball season

February 2024 1972 1972 MLB season American League (AL)National League (NL) Baseball Regular season: April 15 – October 4, 1972Postseason: October 7–22, 1972 162 (scheduled)154–156 (actual, AL)https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1972/Y_1972.htm 1972 Final Standings Retrosheet October 8, 2020153–156 (actual, NL) 24 (12 per league) NBC Draft 1972 Major League Baseball draft Dave Roberts List of first overall MLB draft picks San Diego Padres Regular season AL: Dick Allen (CWS)NL: Johnny Bench (CIN) Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award Postseason 1972 Major League Baseball postseason AL 1972 American League Championship Series Oakland Athletics Detroit Tigers NL 1972 National League Championship Series Cincinnati Reds Pittsburgh Pirates World Series 1972 World Series Oakland Athletics Cincinnati Reds Gene Tenace (OAK) World Series Most Valuable Player Award List of MLB seasons MLB 1971 Major League Baseball season 1971 1973 Major League Baseball season 1973 The 1972 major league baseball season was originally scheduled to begin on April 5.Liebman Rob Schedule Changes Since 1876 – Society for American Baseball Research https://sabr.org/journal/article/schedule-changes-since-1876/ 2025-03-25 en-US The 1972 strike caused the season to see its first 10 days of games canceled, resulting in the season starting on April 15, while the regular season ended as originally scheduled on October 4. The postseason began on October 7. The 69th World Series began with Game 1 with the Oakland Athletics of the American League defeating the Cincinnati Reds of the National League, four games to three, capturing their sixth championship in franchise history (and first in Oakland), since their previous in Philadelphia in 1930. This was the first of three straight victories behind the bats of Reggie Jackson and Bert Campaneris, and the pitching cadre of Catfish Hunter, Rollie Fingers, and Vida Blue. Jackie Robinson, the player instrumental in breaking the AL and NL's color barrier, threw out the first pitch prior to Game 2 in what would be his last public appearance. He died two days after the series ended at age 53 due to complications from diabetes and heart failure. Going into the season, the defending World Series champions were the Pittsburgh Pirates from the 1971 season. The season was the first to have games canceled by a player strike. It was also the last season in which American League pitchers would hit for themselves on a regular basis; the designated hitter rule would go into effect the following season. The 43rd All-Star Game was held on July 25 at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, home of the Atlanta Braves. The National League won in ten innings, 4–3, and was the first win in what would be an 11-game win streak that lasted until 1983. 1972 marked the first year for the Texas Rangers, who had moved to Arlington, Texas from Washington, D.C. (where they played as the Washington Senators) after the 1971 season. The team was one of the worst ever fielded by the franchise, losing 100 games for the first time since 1964. Manager Ted Williams hated it in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, and resigned at the end of the season. Washington, D.C. was left without a major-league team for the first time since 1890. The city would not see a home team for 33 seasons, until the Montreal Expos relocated and became the Washington Nationals in 2005. The Rangers' relocation necessitated the American League to transfer the team to the American League West division from the American League East division due to its distance from AL East teams. Because of this, one of the teams already in the AL West needed to switch to the AL East. The Chicago White Sox and Milwaukee Brewers were seen as the likeliest candidates to transfer divisions, although the Minnesota Twins lobbied to keep the Rangers in the East because it wanted both the Brewers and White Sox as division rivals. Even though the White Sox were slightly further east, it was decided that the Brewers, as the newer franchise, would make the move, even though the White Sox wanted to go to the East since five of the league's original franchises were in that division, and that the Cubs were in the National League East. The Brewers would become division rivals of the Twins and White Sox in 1994 with the formation of the American League Central, but this would last only through 1997, when Milwaukee transferred to the National League and became a division rival of the Cubs (the Brewers and Twins continue to face each other every year through interleague play). 1972 would also mark the Kansas City Royals' final year at Kansas City Municipal Stadium, as the next year they would move to Royals Stadium at the Truman Sports Complex in eastern Kansas City. The Royals had hoped to move out of Municipal after the 1971 season, but a series of labor strikes forced the team to spend one more year at the old facility, which hosted the Athletics from 1955–1967 (and the National Football League's Chiefs from 1963–1971). The year ended on a sad note when Roberto Clemente died in an airplane crash off the coast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on New Year's Eve, while participating in aid efforts after the 1972 Nicaragua earthquake. Labor strike 1972 was affected by a players' strike over pension and salary arbitration. The strike, which started on April 1, erased the first ten days of the season, canceling 86 games, and ended on April 13. Both leagues decided to excise the lost portion of the season with no makeups, and start the season on April 15. As a result, an uneven number of games were lost by each team; some as few as six, some as many as nine. The lack of makeups, even when they affected the playoffs, led to the Boston Red Sox losing the American League East by half a game to the Detroit Tigers, who played one more game (156 to 155). Schedule Major League Baseball schedule The 1972 schedule, originally scheduled with a 162 game schedule per team, consisted of 153–156 games for all teams in the American League and National League, each of which had 12 teams. Each league was split into two six-team divisions. Each team was (pre-strike) scheduled to play 18 games against their five division rivals, totaling 90 games, and 12 games against six interdivision opponents, totaling 72 games. Due to the strike, the total number of games were inconsistently cut down, as the first ten days scheduled were simply canceled. The structure of the 162-game format was put in place in 1969 and would be used until 1977 in the American League and 1993 in the National League. Opening Day, which pre-strike was scheduled for April 5, took place on April 15, featuring 22 teams. The final day of the regular season was on October 4, also featuring 22 teams. The League Championship Series for both leagues began on October 7. The National League Championship Series concluded on October 11, while the American League Championship Series concluded October 12. The World Series took place between October 14 and October 22. Rule changes The 1972 season saw the following rule changes: The rule governing "players to be named later" was modified to prohibit such a player from appearing in the same league as the team to which he was traded, between the date of the trade and the date of its completion. This provision was added to keep a player from directly competing with a club to whom he had been traded. The rule was also modified to require that a cash amount be specified so that the teams could later agree to use the cash consideration instead of the player.Armour Mark 1971 Winter Meetings: The Swap Meet – Society for American Baseball Research https://sabr.org/journal/article/1971-winter-meetings-the-swap-meet/ 2025-03-25 en-US During the 1971 season several players — notably St. Louis outfielders Lou Brock and José Cardenal and San Diego outfielder Ivan Murrell — began using a so-called "Japanese teacup bat," which had a hollow end. NL President Chub Feeney approved its use pending the eventual opinion of the Rules Committee, which met at the meetings and approved. Committee chairman John H. Johnson, an administrative aide to the commissioner, claimed that the bat did not provide the hitter an advantage. The committee ruled that all Double-A players would be required to wear an earflap helmet beginning in 1972, and all Triple-A players by 1973. The rule would not be implemented at the major league level until 1983, and only applied to new players.Rules History https://www.retrosheet.org/rules/rules.htm 2025-08-04 www.retrosheet.orgStreet Jim Safe at home plate http://m.mlb.com/news/article/1437111/ Major League Baseball Advanced Media September 15, 2015 February 14, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150214075256/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/1437111 dead Teams LeagueDivisionTeamCityBallparkCapacityManager1972 Major League Managers https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/1972-managers.shtml 2025-04-01 Baseball-Reference.com enAmerican League American LeagueEastBaltimore OriolesBaltimore, MarylandBaltimore Memorial Stadium52,137Earl WeaverBoston Red SoxBoston, MassachusettsFenway Park33,379Eddie KaskoCleveland IndiansCleveland, OhioCleveland Stadium76,966Ken AspromonteDetroit TigersDetroit, MichiganTiger Stadium54,226Billy MartinMilwaukee BrewersMilwaukee, WisconsinMilwaukee County Stadium45,768Dave BristolRoy McMillanDel CrandallNew York YankeesNew York, New YorkYankee Stadium65,010Ralph HoukWestCalifornia AngelsAnaheim, CaliforniaAnaheim Stadium43,202Del RiceChicago White SoxChicago, IllinoisWhite Sox Park46,550Chuck TannerKansas City RoyalsKansas City, MissouriMunicipal Stadium35,561Bob LemonMinnesota TwinsBloomington, MinnesotaMetropolitan Stadium45,914Bill RigneyFrank QuiliciOakland AthleticsOakland, CaliforniaOakland–Alameda County Coliseum50,000Dick WilliamsTexas RangersArlington, TexasArlington Stadium35,185Ted WilliamsNational League National League (baseball) National LeagueEastChicago CubsChicago, IllinoisWrigley Field37,702Leo DurocherWhitey LockmanMontreal ExposMontreal, QuebecJarry Park Stadium28,456Gene MauchNew York MetsNew York, New YorkShea Stadium55,300Yogi BerraPhiladelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaVeterans Stadium56,371Frank LucchesiPaul Owens baseballPittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaThree Rivers Stadium50,235Bill VirdonSt. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis, MissouriCivic Center Busch Memorial Stadium50,126Red SchoendienstWestAtlanta BravesAtlanta, GeorgiaAtlanta Stadium52,744Lum HarrisEddie MathewsCincinnati RedsCincinnati, OhioRiverfront Stadium51,726Sparky AndersonHouston AstrosHouston, TexasHouston Astrodome44,500Harry WalkerSalty ParkerLeo DurocherLos Angeles DodgersLos Angeles, CaliforniaDodger Stadium56,000Walter AlstonSan Diego PadresSan Diego, CaliforniaSan Diego Stadium50,000Preston GómezDon ZimmerSan Francisco GiantsSan Francisco, CaliforniaCandlestick Park58,000Charlie Fox baseball Standings American League Detroit TigersOakland Athletics National League Pittsburgh PiratesCincinnati Reds Tie game 1 tie game (0 in AL, 1 in NL), which is not factored into winning percentage or games behind (and was replayed again) occurred during the season. National League July 4 (game 2), Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs, tied at 3 following two singles in the top of the eighth inning due to rain.Retrosheet Boxscore: Atlanta Braves 3, Chicago Cubs 3 (2) https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1972/B07042ATL1972.htm 2026-05-04 www.retrosheet.org Postseason 1972 Major League Baseball postseason The postseason began on October 7 and ended on October 22 with the Oakland Athletics defeating the Cincinnati Reds in the 1972 World Series in seven games. Bracket Bracket Managerial changes Off-season Team Former Manager New ManagerCalifornia AngelsLefty PhillipsDel RiceCleveland IndiansJohnny LiponKen AspromonteNew York MetsGil HodgesYogi BerraPittsburgh PiratesDanny MurtaughBill Virdon In-season Team Former Manager New ManagerAtlanta BravesLum HarrisEddie MathewsChicago CubsLeo DurocherWhitey LockmanHouston AstrosHarry WalkerSalty ParkerSalty ParkerLeo DurocherMilwaukee BrewersDave BristolRoy McMillanRoy McMillanDel CrandallMinnesota TwinsBill RigneyFrank QuiliciPhiladelphia PhilliesFrank LucchesiPaul OwensSan Diego PadresPreston GómezDon Zimmer League leaders American League start + Hitting leaders1972 American League Batting Leaders https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1972-batting-leaders.shtml 2025-04-01 Baseball-Reference.com en Stat Player Total AVG Rod Carew (MIN) .318 OPS Dick Allen (CWS) 1.023 HR Dick Allen (CWS) 37 RBI Dick Allen (CWS) 113 R Bobby Murcer (NYY) 102 H Joe Rudi (OAK) 181 SB Bert Campaneris (OAK) 52 break + Pitching leaders1972 American League Pitching Leaders https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1972-pitching-leaders.shtml 2025-04-01 Baseball-Reference.com en Stat Player Total W Gaylord Perry (CLE)Wilbur Wood (CWS) 24 L Pat Dobson (BAL)Mel Stottlemyre (NYY) 18 ERA Luis Tiant (BOS) 1.91 K Nolan Ryan (CAL) 329 IP Wilbur Wood (CWS) 376.2 SV Sparky Lyle (NYY) 35 WHIP Roger Nelson (KC) 0.871 end National League start + Hitting leaders1972 National League Batting Leaders https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1972-batting-leaders.shtml 2025-04-01 Baseball-Reference.com en Stat Player Total AVG Billy Williams (CHC) .333 OPS Billy Williams (CHC) 1.005 HR Johnny Bench (CIN) 40 RBI Johnny Bench (CIN) 125 R Joe Morgan (CIN) 122 H Pete Rose (CIN) 198 SB Lou Brock (STL) 63 break + Pitching leaders1972 National League Pitching Leaders https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1972-pitching-leaders.shtml 2025-04-01 Baseball-Reference.com en Stat Player Total W Steve Carlton1 (PHI) 27 L Steve Arlin (SD) 21 ERA Steve Carlton1 (PHI) 1.97 K Steve Carlton1 (PHI) 310 IP Steve Carlton (PHI) 346.1 SV Clay Carroll (CIN) 37 WHIP Don Sutton (LAD) 0.913 1 National League Triple Crown pitching winner end Milestones Batters Cycles List of Major League Baseball players to hit for the cycle Dave Kingman (SF): Kingman hit for his first cycle and 15th in franchise history, on April 16 against the Houston Astros.http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1972/B04160HOU1972.htm San Francisco Giants 10, Houston Astros 6 April 16, 2011 Retrosheet.org September 11, 2011 September 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924134454/http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1972/B04160HOU1972.htm live César Cedeño (HOU): Cedeño hit for his first cycle and first in franchise history, on August 2 against the Cincinnati Reds.http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1972/B08020HOU1972.htm Houston Astros 10, Cincinnati Reds 1 August 2, 1972 Retrosheet.org September 11, 2011 September 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924134456/http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1972/B08020HOU1972.htm live Bobby Murcer (NYY): Murcer hit for his first cycle and 13th in franchise history, in game one of a doubleheader on August 29 against the Texas Rangers.http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1972/B08291NYA1972.htm Retrosheet Boxscore: New York Yankees 7, Texas Rangers 6 (1) August 29, 1972 Retrosheet.org September 11, 2011 September 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924134457/http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1972/B08291NYA1972.htm live César Tovar (MIN): Tovar hit for his first cycle and sixth in franchise history, on September 19 against the Texas Rangers.http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1972/B09190MIN1972.htm Minnesota Twins 5, Texas Rangers 3 September 19, 1972 Retrosheet.org September 11, 2011 September 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924134501/http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1972/B09190MIN1972.htm live Other batting accomplishments Rich Reese (MIN): Set an American League record and became the second Major League player to hit three career grand slams as a pinch-hitter on July 9 in a 9–6 loss to the New York Yankees.Pinch Hitter Records https://www.baseball-almanac.com/recbooks/pinch-hitters-records.shtml 2026-05-15 Baseball Almanac en-us Roberto Clemente (PIT): Became the 11th member of the 3,000-hit club with a double in the fourth inning against the New York Mets on September 30.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/clemero01.shtml Roberto Clemente Statistics and History Baseball-Reference.com Sports Reference July 30, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170722085009/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/clemero01.shtml July 22, 2017 live mdy-all Pitchers No-hitters List of Major League Baseball no-hitters Burt Hooton (CHC): Hooton threw his first career no-hitter and 11th no-hitter in franchise history, by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 4–0 on April 16. He walked seven and struck out seven.Philadelphia Phillies vs Chicago Cubs Box Score: April 16, 1972 https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN197204160.shtml 2026-05-15 Baseball-Reference.com en Milt Pappas (CHC): Pappas threw his first career no-hitter and 12th no-hitter in franchise history, by defeating the San Diego Padres 8–0 on September 2. He walked one and struck out six.San Diego Padres vs Chicago Cubs Box Score: September 2, 1972 https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN197209020.shtml 2026-05-15 Baseball-Reference.com en Bill Stoneman (MON): Stoneman threw his second career no-hitter and second no-hitter in franchise history, by defeating the New York Mets 7–0 in game one of a doubleheader on October 2. He walked seven and struck out nine.New York Mets vs Montreal Expos Box Score: October 2, 1972 https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MON/MON197210021.shtml 2026-05-15 Baseball-Reference.com en Awards and honors Regular season Baseball Writers' Association of America Awards BBWAA Award National League American League Rookie of the Year Jon Matlack (NYM) Carlton Fisk (BOS) Cy Young Award Steve Carlton (PHI) Gaylord Perry (CLE) Most Valuable Player Johnny Bench (CIN) Dick Allen (CWS) Babe Ruth Award(World Series MVP) — Gene Tenace (OAK)Gold Glove Awards Position National League American League Pitcher Bob Gibson (STL) Jim Kaat (MIN) Catcher Johnny Bench (CIN) Carlton Fisk (BOS) 1st Base Wes Parker (LAD) George Scott (MIL) 2nd Base Félix Millán (ATL) Doug Griffin (BOS) 3rd Base Doug Rader (HOU) Brooks Robinson (BAL) Shortstop Larry Bowa (PHI) Ed Brinkman (DET)Outfield César Cedeño (HOU) Ken Berry (CAL) Roberto Clemente (PIT) Paul Blair (BAL) Willie Davis (LAD) Bobby Murcer (NYY) Other awards Commissioner's Award (Humanitarian): Brooks Robinson (BAL) Hutch Award: Bobby Tolan (CIN) Sport Magazine's World Series Most Valuable Player Award: Gene Tenace (OAK) The Sporting News Awards Award National League American League Player of the YearMajor League Player of the Year Award by The Sporting News Baseball Almanac https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snml.shtml 2025-03-25 www.baseball-almanac.com Billy Williams (CHC) — Pitcher of the YearPitcher of the Year Award by The Sporting News Baseball Almanac https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snpy2.shtml 2025-03-25 www.baseball-almanac.com Steve Carlton (PHI) Wilbur Wood (CWS) Fireman of the YearFireman of the Year Award / Reliever of the Year Award by The Sporting News Baseball Almanac https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snfi.shtml 2025-03-25 www.baseball-almanac.com(Relief pitcher) Clay Carroll (CIN) Sparky Lyle (NYY) Rookie Player of the YearRookie Player of the Year Award by The Sporting News Baseball Almanac https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snrp2.shtml 2025-03-25 www.baseball-almanac.com Dave Rader (SF) Carlton Fisk (BOS) Rookie Pitcher of the YearRookie Pitcher of the Year Award by The Sporting News Baseball Almanac https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snrp.shtml 2025-03-25 www.baseball-almanac.com Jon Matlack (NYM) Dick Tidrow (CLE) Comeback Player of the YearThe Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year Award Baseball Almanac https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/comeback_player_of_the_year_award.shtml 2025-03-25 www.baseball-almanac.com Bobby Tolan (CIN) Luis Tiant (BOS) Manager of the YearManager of the Year Award by The Sporting News Baseball Almanac https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snmy.shtml 2025-03-25 www.baseball-almanac.com — Chuck Tanner (CWS) Executive of the YearMLB Executive of the Year Award Baseball Almanac https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_sney.shtml 2025-03-25 www.baseball-almanac.com — Roland Hemond (CWS) Monthly awards Player of the Month Major League Baseball Player of the Month Award Month National League April Don Sutton (LAD) May Bob Watson (HOU) June César Cedeño (HOU) July Billy Williams (CHC) August Ken Henderson (SF) Baseball Hall of Fame National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Yogi Berra Josh Gibson Lefty Gomez Sandy Koufax (at 36, the youngest inductee ever) Buck Leonard Early Wynn Ross Youngs Will Harridge (executive) 1972 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting Home field attendance Team nameWins%± Percent changeHome attendance%± Percent changePer game Average home attendance per gameNew York Metshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYM/attend.shtml New York Mets Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com830.0%2,134,185 −5.8%27,361Detroit Tigershttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/attend.shtml Detroit Tigers Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com86 −5.5%1,892,38618.9%24,261Los Angeles Dodgershttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/LAD/attend.shtml Los Angeles Dodgers Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com85 −4.5%1,860,858 −9.9%24,811Cincinnati Redshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CIN/attend.shtml Cincinnati Reds Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com9520.3%1,611,4597.4%21,203Houston Astroshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/attend.shtml Houston Astros Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com846.3%1,469,24716.5%19,081Boston Red Soxhttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/attend.shtml Boston Red Sox Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com850.0%1,441,718 −14.1%18,484Pittsburgh Pirateshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/attend.shtml Pittsburgh Pirates Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com96 −1.0%1,427,460 −4.9%18,301Philadelphia Phillieshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PHI/attend.shtml Philadelphia Phillies Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com59 −11.9%1,343,329 −11.1%17,004Chicago Cubshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHC/attend.shtml Chicago Cubs Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com852.4%1,299,163 −21.4%16,872St. Louis Cardinalshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/attend.shtml St. Louis Cardinals Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com75 −16.7%1,196,894 −25.4%15,544Chicago White Soxhttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHW/attend.shtml Chicago White Sox Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com8710.1%1,177,31841.2%15,094Montreal Exposhttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/WSN/attend.shtml Washington Nationals Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com70 −1.4%1,142,145 −11.5%14,643New York Yankeeshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/attend.shtml New York Yankees Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com79 −3.7%966,328 −9.8%12,550Oakland Athleticshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/OAK/attend.shtml Oakland Athletics Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com93 −7.9%921,3230.7%11,965Baltimore Orioleshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BAL/attend.shtml Baltimore Orioles Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com80 −20.8%899,950 −12.0%11,688Minnesota Twinshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIN/attend.shtml Minnesota Twins Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com774.1%797,901 −15.2%10,782Atlanta Braveshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/ATL/attend.shtml Atlanta Braves Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com70 −14.6%752,973 −25.2%9,654California Angelshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/ANA/attend.shtml Los Angeles Angels Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com75 −1.3%744,190 −19.7%9,302Kansas City Royalshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/KCR/attend.shtml Kansas City Royals Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com76 −10.6%707,656 −22.3%9,190Texas Rangershttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TEX/attend.shtml Texas Rangers Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com54 −14.3%662,9741.2%8,610San Francisco Giantshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SFG/attend.shtml San Francisco Giants Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com69 −23.3%647,744 −41.4%8,412San Diego Padreshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SDP/attend.shtml San Diego Padres Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com58 −4.9%644,27315.6%8,053Cleveland Indianshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CLE/attend.shtml Cleveland Indians Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com7220.0%626,3545.9%8,134Milwaukee Brewershttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIL/attend.shtml Milwaukee Brewers Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com65 −5.8%600,440 −17.9%7,601 Uniforms Most teams (16 of 24) switched from wool flannel uniforms to double knit uniforms made of nylon and rayon at the outset of 1972. The Pirates were first to adopt double knits when they moved from Forbes Field to Three Rivers Stadium in July 1970. The Cardinals switched at the start of the 1971 season, and the Orioles gradually phased out their flannels throughout 1971, becoming all-double knit in time for the postseason. The Giants wore flannels until midseason, going to double knits at home only; the flannels would not be phased out for the road uniforms until 1973. The Red Sox switched to double knits midway through 1972, but continued to wear flannels occasionally. Only the Royals, Expos and Yankees wore flannels full-time during the 1972 season, and all three converted to double knits for 1973 (the Royals waited to switch uniforms until their new stadium opened). Venues With the relocation from Washington, D.C. to Arlington, Texas, the Texas Rangers (formerly Washington Senators) move from Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium (where they played 10 seasons) to Arlington Stadium (where they would go on to play for 22 seasons through 1993). The Kansas City Royals would play their final game at Municipal Stadium on October 4 against the Texas Rangers, moving into Royals Stadium for the start of the 1973 season. Media Television NBC was the exclusive national TV broadcaster of MLB. While the network had occasionally aired a limited number of Monday night games in past seasons, 1972 was the first year that NBC signed a contract for a regular slate of Monday Night Baseball.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=mPwyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=4nUDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6029%2C2697238 St. Petersburg Times Florida Associated Press TV to test prime-time ball games February 23, 1971 1C The network continued to air the weekend Game of the Week, the All-Star Game, both League Championship Series, and the World Series. Retired numbers Frank Robinson had his No. 20 retired by the Baltimore Orioles on March 10. This was the first number retired by the team. Robinson would later have his No. 20 retired by the Cincinnati Reds on May 22, 1998 and the Cleveland Indians on May 27, 2017 Pie Traynor had his No. 20 retired by the Pittsburgh Pirates on April 18. This was the third number retired by the team. Willie Mays had his No. 24 retired by the San Francisco Giants on May 12. This was the third number retired by the team. Mays would later have his No. 24 retired by the New York Mets on August 27, 2022. On June 4, the Los Angeles Dodgers retired three numbers, their first three numbers retired by the team. Roy Campanella had his No. 39 retired. Sandy Koufax had his No. 32 retired. Jackie Robinson had his No. 42 retired. Robinson would later have his No. 42 retired in all of MLB on April 15, 1997 to acknowledge his contributions to breaking the baseball color line. From 2004, this day would be known annually as Jackie Robinson Day. On July 22, the New York Yankees retired No. 8 to honor two players. This was their sixth and seventh numbers retired by the team. Yogi Berra had his No. 8 retired. Bill Dickey had his No. 8 retired. See also 1972 in baseball (Events, Births, Deaths) 1972 Nippon Professional Baseball season References External links 1972 Major League Schedule at Baseball Reference Category:Major League Baseball seasons Category:1972 in baseball