My hometown Minnesota Twins recently released their 2016 promotional schedule, which prompted BBRT to once again do a preliminary review of MLB giveaways for the upcoming season. A few observations – all of which I will expand upon in this post – emerged from that review:
- While 2016 giveaways will range from the traditional baseball caps, gloves and bats to Chia Pets, infinity scarves and even soccer jerseys – bobbleheads will continue as MLB’s number-one promotional give-away.
- The Boston Red Sox have made retiring star David Ortiz 2016’s BBRT promotional All Star – featuring Big Papi in five giveaways.
- The Red Sox also are distributing what BBRT considers 2016’s most creative promotional item – Spoiler Alert: The Pet Brock.
- MLB giveaways continued to become even more creative. For example, this season’s giveaways include multi-player, talking, solar-powered, “vintage” and even Paint-Your-Own bobbleheads. (In this post, BBRT will look at some of my favorite bobbleheads and non-bobblehead promotions.)
- My hometown Twins, who led the American League last season with 46 giveaway dates, have put together another ambitious promotional schedule.
- You can put together some pretty good All Star squads (AL, NL and All-Time) made up solely of players featured in 2016 bobblehead giveaways. (BBRT’s 2016 bobblehead All Star teams are listed in the final segment of this post.)
Keep in mind, this is a preliminary report. As this is being posted, some teams have not released their promotional schedules, have released only partial schedules or have not identified the players to be recognized in specific promotions. In addition, promotional items and schedules are subject to change without notice. For a complete list and up-to-date details regarding 2016 Twins promotions (including dates, numbers of items, activities and eligibility) click here. For details on promotions and events across MLB, visit each team’s website.
BOBBLEHEADS ARE NUMBER-ONE AT THE BALLPARK
According to Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal, last season bobbleheads were the number-one MLB giveaway (for the fourth consecutive year). Smith and Street’s reports that MLB teams gave away 3.17 million bobbleheads as part of 133 promotional events – with the San Diego Padres the only team not holding a bobblehead give-away. Notably, the two clubs with the most victories in 2015, the St. Louis Cardinals (100 wins) and the Pirates (98 wins) were also numbers one and two in the total number of promotional giveaway dates – 51 and 49, respectively. The Minnesota Twins, whose promotional philosophy was explored in this blog last February, came in third overall and first in the American League with 46 giveaways. To read the post on the Twins’ promotional philosophy and processes, click here.
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Red Sox Get Creative – Introducing BBRT’s Selection as 2016’s Most Creative promo … the Pet Brock – and Recognizing Big Papi as 2016’s Promotional All Star
David “Big Papi” Ortiz – featured in five 2016 Red Sox giveawys.
Photo by Keith Allison
The Boston Red Sox get BBRT’s nod for the most creative give-away of the 2016 season – the Pet Brock (July 19 vs. Giants) a tribute to versatile 2015 All Star Brock Holt and the 1970’s gift rage Pet Rock. The first 15,000 fans will receive a uniquely Brock/Red Sox themed replica rock.
Red Sox Marketing & Promotions Coordinator Steven Oliveira said the Pet Brock idea came from a Red Sox Strategy and Analytics staffer.
“We asked folks throughout the organization to send in their ideas for new and creative giveaways, and we really loved the Pet Brock concept,” Oliveira said. “So we decided to run with it!”
Also in the running as 2016’s most creative giveaway were the Brewers’ Bob Uecker Talking Alarm Clock and the Cardinals’ bobblehead tribute to the truly “short” career of Eddie Gaedel.
The Red Sox also get kudos for their commitment to honoring DH/1B David Ortiz in his 20th and final MLB season (14 with the Red Sox). Ortiz – a nine-time Star, 2013 World Series MVP, member of the 500-HR club and, of course, former Twin – gets BBRT’s vote as 2016’s promotional All Star. Big Papi will be featured in five Red Sox giveaways:
- David Ortiz 500 (HR) Necklace (April 12 vs. Orioles)
- David Ortiz 2013 World Series MVP Ring Replica (May 24 vs. Rockies)
- Papi Garden Gnome (June 21 vs. White Sox)
- Build-A-Papi (July 26 vs. Tigers)
- David Ortiz Talking Bobblehead (August 9 vs. Yankees).
Oliveira said Ortiz has more than earned his 2016 recognition.
“Once Ortiz announced that this would be his final season, we knew we had to celebrate his tremendous career in Boston,” Oliveira said. “Although we will be honoring him in a number of ways throughout the year, it only feels right to have him be the focal point of our 2016 giveaways. With all respect to the Red Sox legends of the past, I don’t know that any player in Red Sox history has meant more to this franchise and city than Big Papi.”
Also in the running for 2016 Promotional All Star were 2016 Hall of Fame Electees Ken Griffey Jr. (to be recognized with bobblehead promotions by two teams – Mariners and Reds – as well as with replica Hall of Fame plaque and jersey giveaways and a uniform-number retirement ceremony) and Mike Piazza (to be featured on a pair of premium giveaways (bobblehead and replica jersey), as well as in a uniform-number retirement ceremony.
Overall, the Red Sox will distribute more than 70,000 bobbleheads in 2016 (Mookie Betts, David Price, Jason Varitek, Xander Bogaerts and mascots Wally and Tessie). Also on the schedule are such items as towels, baseball caps and piggy banks. It should be a great year at Fenway – particularly for fans of David Ortiz. (I’d love to get my hands on a Pet Brock and an Ortiz Talking Bobblehead.) To view the most up-to-date Red Sox promo schedule, click here.
On a final note, you will find Red Sox players DH David Ortiz, OF Mookie Betts and SP David Price on BBRT’s American League 2016 Bobblehead All Star Team listed at the end of this blog post.
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BBRT’s Favorite 2016 Bobbleheads
Here are BBRT’s favorite bobblehead giveaways for 2016.
- The Dodgers’ three-player bobblehead … Recognizing the only time in MLB history three players shared the World Series MVP Award – Ron Cey, Steve Yeager, Pedro Guerrero in 1981. (July 2 vs. Rockies)
- The Red Sox’ David Ortiz talking bobblehead … Can’t wait to hear what he is going to say. (August 9 vs. Yankees)
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Brandon Crawford Silver Slugger and Gold Glover bobbleheads.
The Giants’ dual bobblehead giveaway honoring SS Brandon Crawford (a 2015 All Star, Gold Glover and Silver Slugger). Fans will receive one of two Crawford bobbleheads, a Sliver Slugger or Gold Glove version. (May 7 vs. Rockies)
- The Cardinals’ bobblehead honoring the Saint Louis Browns’ Eddie Gaedel – at 3’ 7”, the shortest player ever to appear in an MLB game. (Sept. 9 vs. Brewers)
- The Brewers’ Kids Paint-Your-Own Bernie Brewer bobblehead (May 29 vs. Reds)
- A trio of Yankees’ bobbleheads: Babe Ruth (April 23 vs. Rays); Mickey Mantle (June 24 vs. Twins); Roger Maris (Oct. 1 vs. Orioles). Talk about a powerful outfield.
It’s Not All About Bobbleheads
It’s not always about bobbleheads. There are plenty of other ways players are being recognized in 2016 promotions. You could, for example, pick up a Dodgers’ Justin Turner or Nationals’ Bryce Harper Chia Pet. There also are garden gnomes for the Giants’ Bruce Bochy; Cardinals’ Yadier Molina; Red Sox’ David Ortiz; Orioles’ Manny Machado; A’s Sean Doolittle; Mets’ Noah Syndergaard; and Pirates’ Josh Harrison. Baseball not your number-one sport? How about the Dodgers’ Magic Johnson garden gnome, Angels’ soccer scarf or Diamondbacks’ soccer jersey promotions? Here are a few other non-bobblehead giveaways that BBRT would like to have on the home shelf.
- The Brewers’ Bob Uecker Talking Alarm Clock (July 10 vs. Cardinals)
- The Nationals’ (Election Night at Nationals Park) branded Donkey or Elephant figurines (Sept. 30 vs. Marlins)
- Replica World Series Championship Trophies: 2006 Cardinals (June 3 vs. Giants); 2015 Royals (April 23 vs. Orioles)
- Cubs’ 1916 Replica Throwback Jersey (July 6 vs, Reds)
- The Giants’ “Beat LA” flag – nothing like keeping a rivalry alive. (April 9 vs. Dodgers)
- The Mets’ Jacob deGrom Hair Hat (Sept. 17 vs. Twins)
Or, how about some techie stuff?
- The Giants’ Sergio Romo portable speakers (August 27 vs. Braves)
- The Angels’ selfie stick (May 6 vs. Rays)
Or really practical:
- Rays’ Laundry Hamper (Aug. 7 vs. Twins)
And, of course, there is much, much more. Just check each team’s website for dates, quantities and eligibility.
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Minnesota Twins’ Promotional Give-Aways
Now, let’s move on to my hometown Twins – last season’s American League team leader in giveaway dates. The Twins kick off their promotional season on Opening Day in Minnesota (April 11 vs. the White Sox) – once again starting the home season with BBRT’s favorite Twins giveaway, the Twins hoodie sweatshirt. This season, playing off the Twins’ new uniforms, the hoodies will be red and the first 30,000 fans through the “turn styles” will go home in Twins’ style.
Among the other Twins giveaways that caught BBRT’s eye are the Brian Dozier Kids Baseball Glove (April 17 vs. Angels – first 5,000 fans 14 and under); Brian Dozier adult jersey (June 11 vs. Red Sox – first 10,000 adult fans); a quartet of bobbleheads (Miguel Sano on June 18; Ervin Santana on July 2; Torii Hunter on July 16; and a vintage bobblehead on July 31); the Miguel Sano snow globe (July 30 vs. White Sox – first 10,000); The Torii Hunter and John Gordon Twins Hall of Fame pins (July 17 vs. Indians – first 5,000); and the Twins 1991 World Championship Beer Stein (July 27 vs. Braves – first 10,000 fans 21 or over).
Overall, in 2016, Twins fans will go home with at least:
- 60,000 stocking caps
- 50,000 baseball caps
- 40,000 bobbbleheads
- 30,000 hoodie sweatshirts
- 30,000 stocking caps
- 20,000 magnetic schedules
- 20,000 poster schedules
- 20,000 MLB Network bags
- 10,000 bomber hats
- 10,000 travel bags
- 10,000 pairs of socks
- 10,000 beer steins
- 10,000 umbrellas
- 10,000 adult jerseys
- 10,000 snow globes
- 7,500 Wiffle bats
- 5,000 kids jerseys
- 5,000 beach towels
- 5,000 Twins Hall of Fame pins
- 5,000 beach towels
- 5,000 kids baseball gloves
As noted earlier, promotional schedules can change. Click here to go to the Twins website promotional page for the most up-to-date info on items, dates, quantities and eligibility.
And, Twins Fans, don’t forget, there are also a hot of special events and ticket values. Here is just a sampling.
SUNDAYS
SuperAmerica Knothole Kids Day
For Sunday games, up to two youngsters (14 and under) can receive $5 off a U.S. Bank Home Run Porch or Home Plate View ticket with the purchase of one full price adult ticket in the same section (when presenting a SuperAmerica Knothole Kids Day coupon). Before the game, youngsters can receive free autographs from a Twins player and they can run the bases (post-game) courtesy of Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare.
TUESDAYS
U.S. Bank Value Pack
Fans who purchase a U.S. Bank Home Run Porch View ticket for a Tuesday game receive a FREE Schweigert™ hot dog and Pepsi.
WEDNESDAYS
Student Day presented by Rasmussen College
Standing-room only tickets are available for Wednesday games at just $5 for students, and they can ride to the game free on Metro Transit. (Tickets available beginning at 9 a.m. on the day of game only at the Target Field Box Office – one ticket per student with valid ID). The Metro Transit passes are downloadable at twinsbaseball.com/student.
Schweigert™ Dollar-A-Dog
At each Wednesday game, hot dogs are $1 at the Hennepin Grille and Taste of Twins Territory concession stands. (Limit 20,000 per game; 2 per person.)
Midwest Music Showcase presented by Go 96.3
Music performances by prominent local bands are scheduled for every Wednesday home game April 27 through September 7.
FRIDAYS
Fireworks Friday
Postgame fireworks will be featured each Friday from Memorial Day to Labor Day – accompanied by specific musical genre: June 3 – Minnesota Music; June 10 – Music of the ‘80s; June 17 – The British Invasion; July 1 – Salute to America; July 15 – Alternative pop; July 29 – music from 1991 (Twins’ last World Series win); September 2 – Latin pop.
ALL WEEKDAY DAY GAMES
Senior Days – Presented bv Treasure Island Resort & Casino
Fans 55 and better receive a $5 discount on Field Box and Pavilion tickets for all weekday day games (excluding April 11). Offer available by phone and in-person only; subject to availability.
MONDAY-THURSDAY
Military Discount presented by FOX Sports North
Active military members or veterans with a valid ID (plus up to three guests) can purchase half-price Home Plate View tickets for every Monday through Thursday game (excluding April 11). Tickets are available on the day of the game only. Visit twinsbaseball.com/promotions for a list of accepted forms of ID.
For more on Twins special events/ticket offers, click here to see the pre-season announcement or, for updated information, visit the Twins webpage.
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BBRT’s 2016 Bobblehead Giveaway All Star Teams
Here are BBRT’s NL, AL and All-Time All Star Teams made up of players who are featured in 2016 MLB bobblehead giveaways. Some are recognized by individual bobbleheads, while others are featured jointly. (For example, the Angels are distributing a Mike Trout/Albert Pujols HR Bobblehead. I’ve included the date of each giveaway for those interested in taking in the game and taking away the prize.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
C – Yadier Molina, Cardinals (June 4 vs. Giants)
1B – Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks (July 2 vs. Giants)
2B – Howie Kendrick, Dodgers (Aug. 9 vs. Phillies)
3B – Nolan Arenado, Rockies (April 10 vs. Padres)
SS – Brandon Crawford, Giants (May 7 vs. Rockies)
OF – Bryce Harper, Nationals (May 11 vs. Tigers)
OF – Matt Holliday, Cardinals (July 22 vs. Dodgers)
OF – Ryan Braun, Brewers (May 1 vs. Marlins)
Starting Pitcher – Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (April 25 vs. Marlins)
Closer – Trevor Rosenthal, Cardinals (April 30 vs. Nationals)
AMERICAN LEAGUE
C – Salvador Perez, Royals (Sept. 3 vs. Tigers)
1B – Albert Pujols, Angels (April 7 vs. Rangers)
2B – Robinson Cano, Mariners (July 16 vs. Astros)
3B – Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays (April 24 vs. A’s)
SS – Troy Tulowitzki, Blue Jays (July 3 vs. Indians)
OF – Mike Trout, Angels (April 7 vs. Rangers)
OF – Nelson Cruz, Mariners (April 30 vs. Royals)
OF – Mookie Betts, Red Sox (April 19 vs. Rays)
DH – David Ortiz, Red Sox (Aug. 9 vs. Yankees)
Starting Pitcher – David Price, Red Sox (May 10 vs. A’s)
Closer – Wade Davis, Royals (July 24 vs. Rangers)
ALL TIME (RETIRED)
C – Mike Piazza, Mets (July 31 vs. Rockies)
1B – Jim Thome, Indians (July 30 vs. A’s)
2B – Paul Molitor, Brewers (March 21 Spring Training vs. Angels).
3B – Chipper Jones, Braves (Sept. 10 vs. Mets)
SS – Edgar Renteria, Marlins (July 9 vs. Reds)
OF – Babe Ruth, Yankees (April 23 vs. Rays)
OF – Ken Griffey Jr., Mariners (Aug. 5 vs. Angels); Reds (May 21 vs. Mariners)
OF – Mickey Mantle, Yankees (June 24 vs. Twins)
DH – Roger Maris, Yankees (Oct. 1 vs. Orioles)
Starting Pitcher – Bob Feller, Indians (Aug. 13 vs. Angels)
Closer – Don Newcombe, Dodgers (June 8 vs. Rockies) … had to move Newcombe to the pen to fill out this spot.
Looking ahead? For BBRT’S 2016 National League Predictions (Division Races and Awards), click here. For 2016 AL Predictions, click here.
Fan of baseball trivia? BBRT has two 99 question (Ballpark Tours tested) trivia quizzes. For BBRT’s 99 favorite questions, click here. For a second 99, click here.
Ballpark Tours great 2016 excursion (10 days, 10 games, 7 cities), outlined here.
I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT
Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.
