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.
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.
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!
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.
Ballparks and Recreation 