Bobbleheads and Drinking Accessories

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With the season winding down and school starting up, teams haven’t had many giveaways. Between that and working picking up with the start of the Seahawks season, I wasn’t able to get a post done last week. I’m still figuring out off-season plans for this blog, but I will be writing for Front Office Sports, so head over to their website to see work from me and other sports industry professionals and hopefuls!

With that, here are my favorite giveaways from the past two weeks.

Wine Cork Glasses- Cubs, 8/30: I really like this giveaway because the Cubs took something ordinary and found a way to make it different. Using wine cork to make a pair of sunglasses is brilliant, especially because it taps into an industry (wine) that isn’t usually associated with baseball. I imagine a lot of Cubs fans will wear these while sipping on some wine.

Cubs Wine Cork Sunglasses

Source: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/schedule/promotions.jsp?c_id=chc&y=2016

Salvador Perez Commemorative Post-season Bobblehead- Royals, 9/3: This is a cool bobblehead because the “pose” chosen for Perez. The Gatorade bath is one of the most popular celebration rituals in sports, especially baseball. I haven’t seen other teams put the Gatorade bath in bobblehead form, so props to the Royals for finding a way to be different.

Commemorative Postseason Bobblehead - Salvador Perez

Source: royals.com/promotions

Yankees Peanuts Bobblehead (5th in collection)- Yankees, 9/8: I love Peanuts and have been a big fan all the MLB Peanuts figurines being sold or given away the past few years. This is the fifth Peanuts Bobblehead in a collection the Yankees have been giving away over the past few seasons. I think this collection is a great way to tie in a classic cartoon with America’s pastime.

Yankees Peanuts Bobblehead Night - 5th in a series

Source: yankees.com/promotions

Cardinals Stoneware Beverage Coaster Set- Cardinals, 9/11: You can never go wrong with coasters, and I love what the Cardinals did with theirs. Adding bases at the corners to make a baseball diamond with their logo in the center is a great way to help fans show off their Cardinals pride.

Cardinals Stoneware Beverage Coaster Set

Source: cardinals.com/promotions

Giveaways for the Home

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Sergio Romo Portable Speakers- Giants, 8/27: Few things are more frustrating than wanting to play music for a group of people but not having any speakers. Luckily for Giants fans who attend Sunday’s game, they won’t have this problem as often thanks to these Sergio Romo Portable Speakers. I love that they fold into a ball when you’re done using them so they don’t take up much space in your bag.

Zubazpalooza- White Sox, 8/25: A lot of teams have had Zubazpalozza’s the past couple seasons. If you aren’t familiar, Zubaz are brightly colored zebra print pants that made their debut 26 years ago. I really took notice of them when Tigers players wore them on a road trip in 2014. They’re very “out there” pants, but they provide for a great giveaway item. In order for fans to get their White Sox Zubaz, they must purchase a special ticket. I’m sure it’ll be quite a sight seeing so many people in these pants around the ballpark.

Zubazpalooza

Source: whitesox.com/promotions

 

Max Scherzer No-No Bobblehead (par 2 of 2)- Nationals, 8/26: In 2015, Max Scherzer became the sixth pitcher in baseball history to throw two complete games in the same season. The Nationals are celebrating accordingly by giving away two bobbleheads commemorating the special events. The first bobblehead was given away on May 23rd, with the set being completed this weekend. It’s a really cool way to celebrate Scherzer’s accomplishment, and a great way to draw fans to more than one game if they want both bobbleheads.

Max Scherzer No-Hitter Bobblehead, Piece #2 of 2(bobblehead #2) Max Scherzer No-Hitter Bobblehead, Piece #1 of 2(bobblehead #1)

Source: nationals.com/promotions

MiLB Spotlight:

Cloudman Soap Dispenser- Trenton Thunder (Double-A Affiliate, Yankees), 8/23: This is a fantastic giveaway by the Trenton Thunder. I’m not a parent, but I’m sure it’s hard to find a soap dispenser that fits with a “kids” bathroom. It’s a fun, unique way to showoff the Thunder’s mascot, and hopefully gets kids excited about washing their hands.

 

Movie Themes and Fan Choice

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Fans Choice San Diego Lunch Box or San Diego Bottle Holder- San Diego Padres, 8/20: I like that the Padres are giving fans the choice of which giveaway they want. Both are good promotions on their own, but letting fans choose is a really cool idea. It’s also a great way for families to avoid getting too many of one giveaway.

Fans Choice: SD Lunch Bag presented by Scripps or SD Bottle Holder presented by Coca-Cola

Source: padres.com/promotions

Pixar Day at the Park- San Francisco Giants, 8/21: The Giants have found a fun way to engage fans of all ages. It doesn’t matter how old you are, Pixar movies always make you feel good. This year, the Giants chose my personal favorite, “Finding Nemo”, to base their theme day off of. There will be pre-game entertainment on the field, and fans who purchase the special theme ticket also get this Finding Dory Snow Globe and the opportunity to watch “Finding Nemo” after the game.

promo

Source: sfgiants.com/promotions

Taijuan “Sky” Walker Bobblehead- Seattle Mariners, 8/21: The Mariners wrap up their Star Wars Weekend with the perfect Star Wars bobblehead. The only downfall is that Walker is currently in Tacoma and won’t be able to use his Jedi mind… er, pitch… tricks on major league hitters. Either way, he’s the best player to base a Star Wars giveaway off of because his last name can easily be changed to play off a character.

Taijuan

Source: mariners.com/promotions

MiLB Spotlight

Pat Venditte “Switch-Pitcher” Bobblearms- Staten Island Yankees (Short Season Single-A Affiliate, Yankees), 8/19: This is the giveaway that inspired the “MiLB Spotlight”. Venditte is the most unique pitcher in the game right now in that he can pitch with both arms. Even though he’s no longer in the Yankees system, his former team found the perfect way to honor their alum. A lot of minor league teams base promotions off of former players, even if they aren’t with the parent club anymore. The S.I. Yankees found a great way to make the standard bobble-doll unique towards a former player.

https://twitter.com/SIYanks/status/742140004772806656

Griffey Recap and Beltre Bobblehead

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Before I get into this weekend’s promotions, I want to briefly talk about Ken Griffey, Jr. weekend the Mariners hosted over the weekend. I was lucky to be able to go to the games on Friday and Saturday when they gave out a Ken Griffey, Jr. bobblehead and a replica Hall of Fame plaque. The replica plaque was really cool and even came with a stand so it’s easier to display. Throughout each game, they showed clips from Griffey’s career and interviews of current and former players talking about him. It was fun to relive great moments from his career and look back at what he did for Seattle and baseball.

The number retirement ceremony on Saturday was amazing. I got to watch it from the field, thanks to a work opportunity, and I can’t get over how well done it was. Junior enter from center field, respectively, and there was a slew of Hall of Famers and Seattle legends in attendance. Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Kobe Bryant even wished him congratulations via video. Before #24 was officially retired, it was announced that a Griffey statue will be placed outside of Safeco Field next season. This was a surprise to everyone and I can’t wait for it to be unveiled.

Everyone was emotional, including Griffey. He gave a moving speech that addressed everyone- his teammates, the Mariners organization, this year’s team, and the fans. To see him back at Safeco Field was great. Props to the Mariners for a phenomenal weekend!

girffey 2

griffey

Adrian Beltre Removable Helmet Bobblehead- Rangers, 8/14: I’ve been waiting for this bobblehead since it was announced. Beltre is known for his hatred of people touching his head. We’ve seen many hilarious attempts from teammates (mostly Elvis Andrus) to touch his head without success. However, Prince Fielder was able to pull off the impossible before his press conference announcing his retirement. This bobblehead is perfect because it is unique to the player and shows off his personality. It can be difficult to capture the personalities of players in giveaways, but the Rangers really hit the nail on the head here.

Hunter Pence Solar Bobblebody- Giants, 8/14: I spoke too soon last week when I mentioned that teams haven’t picked up on solar bobbleheads. The Giants are the first team I’ve seen that are having a bobblehead/body promotion, and I think it will catch on. Fans who attend Sunday’s game get to take home this Hunter Pence Bobblebody, which I’m sure will be bobbling non-stop during the afternoon game.

Hunter Pence Solar Bobblebody

Source: sfgiants.com/promotions

Clark Hat- Cubs, 8/14: This is a great promotion for kids because of how much they (usually) love mascots. Bears are popular with kids, and this hat is perfect for little Cubs fans. It has a variety of uses- staying warm, putting it in a dress up box, or being part of a Halloween costume. It’s also a promotion that’s just “fun” and is a change from the typical ball cap or fedora giveaway.

Clark Hat

Source: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/schedule/promotions.jsp?c_id=chc&y=2016 

Toy Truck- Mets, 8/14: This is a simple, yet versatile promotion in a few ways- it could be a collector’s item or added to a kid’s play basket. It can be used by fans of any age, but will likely be popular among kids. It’s also a great promotion for the presenting sponsor, W.B. Mason, who has their logo on the sides of the truck.

Toy Truck

Source: mets.com/promotions

MiLB Spotlight

Nickelodeon 90’s Night- Brooklyn Cyclones, 8/10 (Single-A Affiliate, Mets): Every once in a while, a team really knocks a theme night out of the park. The Cyclones did a great job with their 90’s night, which included a 25 th Anniversary celebration of Ren and Stimpy. They gave away a dual bobblehead of the popular 90’s TV duo while the players wore Ren and Stimpy jerseys. Overall, it was a “happy happy, joy joy” night.

Brewfest Recap, Piggy Banks, Gnomes, and Bobbleheads

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On Monday, I had the opportunity to go to the Mariners Brewery Night with my boyfriend, his cousin, and her boyfriend. For just $33, we got a t-shirt, bottle opener, two drink vouchers, and a ticket to the game against the Red Sox. It was set up like a regular brew fest- 12 local breweries were set up in the “Outside Corner” on Safeco Field’s 300-level and you exchanged your vouchers for a full-sized beer. It was fun trying beer the ballpark doesn’t normally have available.

IMG_3513

This weekend is Ken Griffey, Jr. Weekend at Safeco Field as the Mariners honor their first Hall of Famer. The weekend is full of events, with a bobblehead giveaway on Friday, number retirement ceremony and replica Hall of Fame plaque giveaway on Saturday, and a replica jersey from Griffey’s rookie season being given away on Sunday. I’ll be at Friday and Saturday’s games and can’t wait to see how the weekend turns out.

Now, for this week’s promotions…

Miguel Cabrera “Miggy Bank” –Tigers, 8/7: Another pun, another featured giveaway. I love that the Tigers were able to take an everyday item and make it unique to them. It works out well that one of their star players has a name that can make the pun work. Check out this video of their mascot PAWS putting it to use. (Disclaimer: portions of Cabrera’s contract not included).

Longo Solar Gnome- Rays, 8/5: I’m a big fan of the solar powered bobbleheads that are becoming more popular. Powered by the sun, the bobbleheads move all day without you having to do anything. Not a lot of teams have taken advantage of this new element, so I love that the Rays are. They’re able to honor their long-time third baseman Evan Longoria, who has probably been featured on a lot of giveaways, with a new twist. Because it’s a gnome, Longoria’s head won’t bobble, but the “burst” he’s holding will light up as long as the sun is on it.

Longo Solar Gnome

Source: rays.com/promotions

Vintage Bobblehead- Cardinals, 8/6: This is a great bobblehead, not only because it’s vintage, but also because it’s modeled after the Cardinals’ mascot, Fred Bird. I’ve mentioned in earlier posts how mascots don’t get their own giveaways very often and how I like seeing them incorporated into giveaways. Fred Bird is one of the more popular mascots in the baseball community, so featuring him in a giveaway is a good move on the Cardinals part. I’m sure he can’t wait to see himself in bobblehead form!

Vintage Cardinal Bobblehead

Source: cardinals.com/promotions

Minor League Spotlight

Manny Machado “Mannyion” Bobblehead and Minion Night- Bowie BaySox (AA-Affiliate, Orioles), 8/7: There is so much about this promotion that I love. First, there will be a Minion meet and greet for Kids Club members before the game starts. Minions have taken the world by storm since they made their debut in 2010’s “Despicable Me.” I’m sure kids will love the chance to hang out with them before enjoying some baseball. Secondly, the Manny Machado “Mannyion” bobblehead is phenomenal. It’s the perfect way to tie in a former player to the theme of the day.

Ways to Stay Cool at Day Games

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Last Sunday was a big day in baseball, as Mike Piazza and Ken Griffey, Jr. were inducted into the Hall of Fame. It was an emotional ceremony for everybody- Griffey is the first Mariner to be inducted into the Hall and Piazza is only the second Met. Both players are having their numbers retired by their respective teams and have whole weekends dedicated to them. Piazza is being honored this weekend, and I will touch on it here, while Griffey’s weekend is August 5-7th. I will be at two of the three Griffey games and can’t wait to share how the ceremonies went.

With the exception of the Piazza giveaways, this weekend’s promos have a theme of keeping fans cool during games. We’re just about to enter the dog days of summer, but it’s been significantly warm around the country for the past month or so. Here are a few ways clubs are helping fans cool off.

Cubs Misting Fan- Cubs, 7/30: The Cubs are helping fans stay cool this Saturday by giving away misting fans to the first 10,000 people through the gates. It’s difficult to cool off when sitting at an outdoor baseball game for 3-plus hours, but the Cubs have found a great solution. This also takes me back to my childhood, as misting fans were very popular in the late-90s and early 2000s.

Cubs Misting Fan

Source: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/schedule/promotions.jsp?c_id=chc&y=2016

Umbrella Hat- Angels, 7/31: In another effort to help keep fans cooled off at games, the Angels are giving away this awesome umbrella hat. It’s one of the quirkier giveaways out there, but will definitely be nice for this Sunday afternoon game. Here’s a video of some Angels players modeling the headwear:

Sano Globe- Twins, 7/30: If there’s a pun in the name, there is a 100% chance it will be featured. This Miguel Sano Globe is no different. It’s a great year-round decoration that will help fans “think cool thoughts” during the summer while also getting them excited for baseball during the winter.

Miguel Sano Globe

Source: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/schedule/promotions.jsp?c_id=min

Mike Piazza Weekend- Mets, 7/30: The Mets are honoring their recent Hall of Fame inductee the only way they can- by retiring his number and dedicating the whole weekend to him. On Friday, all fans will receive a replica Piazza jersey as they enter the ballpark. Saturday’s festivities include the retirement of Piazza’s #31 and all fans will receive a Piazza Baseball Card Placard. The weekend wraps up with a Piazza bobblehead that is modeled after a walk-off homerun he hit against the Padres. It’s sure to be an exciting weekend at Citi Field.

Mike Piazza Replica Jersey Piazza Baseball Card Placard Mike Piazza Bobblehead

Source: mets.com/promotions

Minor League Spotlight:

University of Washington/Washington State University Weekend- Tacoma Rainiers, AAA Mariners: I’ll admit there’s a little bias with this one, but for all the college nights that are done, not a lot of teams customize their jerseys to the college(s). The Rainiers have stepped up their college night game with these sweet jerseys to pay tribute to Washington’s top two colleges. “Paint the Park Purple” for UW is on Friday, while “Color Cheney Crimson” is on Saturday. Details for both nights can be found here.

 

The Week That Was

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There isn’t a lot going on this week in terms of giveaways, but there are a few theme nights I want to talk about. Before we get to those, thought, there are three minor league promotions I do want to highlight that were missed last week.

First, the Red Sox Class-A affiliate Lowell Spinners gave the first 1,000 fans a Mookie Betts bowling pin figurine on Monday. It’s one of the more unique giveaways I’ve seen and is definitely out of the box.

 

The second promotion was called “Bad Songs for a Good Cause” on July 15th that the Reno Aces (Triple-A, Diamondbacks) put on. Fans could purchase “bad” walk up songs for both Aces players and the opposing team for $10 (pre-selected songs) or $20 (pick your own song). All proceeds went to the Reno Ronald McDonald House. Walk up songs are one of the staples of baseball and giving fans the opportunity to choose them while donating to a good cause is brilliant.

Third, this awesome piggy bank was given away by the Iron Pigs (Triple-A, Phillies) on Sunday. It’s a great play on words and their mascot, Chris P. Bacon.

 

Now, onto the theme nights. Pokémon Go has taken America by storm and many teams have made their ballparks “Poké Stops.” I’m one of the few that isn’t playing Pokémon Go, but I still this it’s a brilliant move to get people out to the ballpark. It brings in revenue and gives fans the opportunity to collect Pokémons while taking in a baseball game.

There are also a lot of teams that are hosting “Christmas in July” nights. While June 25th was the official halfway point, Christmas in July has been popular since the 1940s after a movie with the same title was released. It’s a relatively easy promotion for both major and minor league teams, but here are some things minor league teams are doing.

Beer Samples, Grab Bags, and 70’s Weekend

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Flights and Bites- Padres, 7/15: In a spin on brewery nights, the Padres are providing fans with samples of local and national beer and food from local restaurants. Beer fests are fun, but you often only get one or two beers because they’re full-sized. By giving fans flights, they’re able to sample more, which is a win for everybody.

70’s Groovy Rally Monkey- Angels, 7/15: As a part of 70’s weekend at the ballpark, the Angels are giving away this “groovy” rally monkey. Dressed for the decade, I like that they’re using their unofficial mascot instead of a player for the giveaway.

'70s Groovy Rally Monkey

Source: mlb.com/promotions

Adult Replica 2006 Mystery Player Jersey- Cardinals, 7/17: The Cardinals continue their 10-year anniversary celebration of winning the 2006 World Series with this mystery player jersey giveaway. I love that fans won’t know which jersey they get until arriving. It’s a fun twist on the traditional jersey giveaway and keeps fans guessing until they get there.

Adult Replica Home White 2006 Mystery Player Jersey

Source: cardinals.com/promotions

Braves Country Grab Bag- Braves, 7/15: This promotion is great for fans who can’t attend a game with a giveaway they want. The Braves understand the demand for leftover giveaways and are recognizing that with this promotion. Fans must purchase a special ticket and can then redeem it for one “premium” giveaway or two “select items.” A full list of giveaways can be found here.

Minor League Spotlight:

Swing State Night- Akron RubberDucks (Indians Double-A Affiliate), 7/15: The RubberDucks are really embracing Ohio’s voting importance with this promotion. The November elections will be exciting, and Ohio is sure to play a big role in determining the outcome. Players will wear these custom jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game.

Cats, Alarm Clocks, Ghost Busters, and a Fu Manchu

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There aren’t a lot of promotions this weekend as teams get ready for the All Star break, but I was able to find a couple good ones. Before we get into those, one of my coworkers was in San Diego last weekend and sent me a video from the Padres laser show after Saturday’s game. I’m unable to post videos, but here are some still shots.

For this week’s Minor League Spotlight, I couldn’t decide between two, so I’m featuring both them. They perfectly represent what MiLB promotions are all about and I haven’t been able to stop laughing since I’ve seen them (they’re hilariously brilliant).

Ghost Busters Day- Brewers, 7/9: Who ya gonna call!? Sorry- had to do it. The Brewers are celebrating the new Ghostbusters movie on Saturday and anybody who buys the special ticket gets this fantastic quad- bobblehead of Brewers players as the Ghostbusters team.

Ghostbusters Bobble

Source: http://m.mlb.com/mil/tickets/info/theme-nights

Bob Ueker Talking Alarm Clock- Brewers, 7/10: The Brewers are honoring their long time radio announcer by giving all fans an alarm clock that plays off his signature home run call. I love that the Brewers were able to find a unique way to use Ueker’s homerun call to get people out of bed in the morning. An article that has the sound can be found here.

Bob Uecker Talking Alarm Clock

Source: brewers.com/promotions

Hello Kitty Day- Giants, 7/10: The Giants are taking their Hello Kitty celebration to a whole new level. In addition to the first 20,000 fans receiving a Giants/Hello Kitty-themed tote bag and pre-/ in-game Hello Kitty components, there will be 2 different ticket specials fans can purchase. The first is a basic ticket package that includes a ticket to the game and a Hello Kitty/Giants themed scarf. The second is the MVP package (sold out) that includes a pre-game party, 3 Hello Kitty giveaways (tote, scarf, and a special MVP item that hasn’t been released), and an appearance by Hello Kitty herself!

Hello Kitty Day   promo

Minor League Spotlight:

Danny Espinosa Fu Manchu Bobblehead- Potomac Nationals (Advanced-A Nationals Affiliate), 7/9:  I don’t have a lot of words to describe how amazing this is, but it’s the bobblehead to end all bobbleheads. I absolutely love that the PNats decided to use hair for the Fu Manchu instead of having it painted on. There’s no better way to have a Fu Manchu bobblehead than this.

Caturday- Lakewood BlueClaws (Class-A Phillies Affiliate), 7/9: For the second week in a row, the BlueClaws have made the MiLB Spotlight. This is hands down one of the best promotions I’ve ever seen. The jerseys are phenomenal and they’re remixing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” to “Take MEOWout to the Ballgame.” BRILLIANT! Cats are welcome to attend the game (with a waiver) while you sip on a special Black Cat Cocktail wearing a Caturday t-shirt that’s being given away. More Caturday details can be found here.

Fourth of July Weekend

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With the Fourth of July on Monday, a lot of teams have patriotic-themed fireworks shows and giveaways this weekend. I do want to give an honorable mention to the Bryce Harper Chia Pet the Nationals are giving away on July 5th. Harper has a great head of hair and I’m curious to see how his chia hair will compare.

Post-game Laser Show- Padres, 7/2: The Padres see your post-game fireworks and raise you a laser show. I think this is a brilliant move by because of how different it is from the usual post-game activity. The laser show follows a game against the Yankees, which should already be a draw for fans.

Herbert Hoover Racing President Bobblehead- Nationals, 7/3: The Nationals are known for their Racing Presidents and former president Herbert Hoover was named the 2016 “visiting racing president.” Despite only being around for the 2016 season, the Nationals are honoring him with his own bobblehead the day before the fourth.

Herbert Hoover Bobblehead

Source: nationals.com/promotions

Canada Day Celebration- Blue Jays, 7/1: While the rest of MLB will be celebrating America’s Independence, the Blue Jays will be celebrating Canada Day. There will be pre-game festivities before the game, in addition to in-game celebrations, and the first 20,000 fans will receive a Blue Jays Canada Day towel. On July 4th, they’ll wear a “modified” stars and stripes cap (what American MLB teams are wearing) and instead wear a cap with maple leaves on it.

Canada Day Towel presented by Honda

Source: bluejays.com/promotions

Camo Apron- Cubs, 7/4: Keeping with the Fourth of July theme, the Cubs are giving away this camo apron. It’s the perfect accessory for your post-game BBQ. I like they went away from the traditional stars and stripes and went with camo instead.

Cubs Camo Apron

Source: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/schedule/promotions.jsp?c_id=chc&y=2016

Minor League Spotlight:

Lakewood BlueClaws Luau Night, 7/2

Everyone dreams of a Hawaiian vacation and the BlueClaws are giving you a virtual trip to Hawaii at their Luau on Saturday. And they’re going all out. Pre-game festivities include a concert with a Jimmy Buffet set, Hawaiian-style food and drinks, and even a pig roast BBQ! There will also be performances by the South Pacific Island Dancers between innings and a post-game performance that also includes a Samoan Fire Knife Dancer. Plus the player jerseys and the t-shirt giveaway are fantastic. More details can be found here.