![\"Twis](\"https:\/\/baseballroundtable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Twis-promos-300x300.jpg\")
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.\u00a0 A few observations \u2013 all of which I will expand upon in this post<\/strong> <\/em>\u2013 emerged from that review:<\/p>\n- \n
- 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\u2019s number-one promotional give-away.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
- The Boston Red Sox have made retiring star David Ortiz 2016\u2019s BBRT promotional All Star<\/strong> <\/em>\u2013 featuring Big Papi in five giveaways.<\/span><\/li>\n
- The Red Sox also are distributing what BBRT considers 2016\u2019s most creative promotional item<\/strong><\/em> \u2013 Spoiler Alert: The Pet Brock.<\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
- MLB giveaways continued to become even more creative.<\/strong><\/em> For example, this season\u2019s giveaways include multi-player, talking, solar-powered, \u201cvintage\u201d and even Paint-Your-Own bobbleheads.\u00a0 (In this post, BBRT will look at some of my favorite bobbleheads and non-bobblehead promotions.)<\/span><\/li>\n
- My hometown Twins<\/strong><\/em>, who led the American League last season with 46 giveaway dates, have put together another ambitious promotional schedule.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/li>\n
- You can put together some pretty good All Star squads<\/strong><\/em> (AL, NL and All-Time) made up solely of players featured in 2016 bobblehead giveaways<\/strong><\/em>. (BBRT\u2019s 2016 bobblehead All Star teams are listed in the final segment of this post.)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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.\u00a0 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<\/a>.\u00a0 For details on promotions and events across MLB, visit each team\u2019s website.<\/em><\/p>\n
BOBBLEHEADS ARE NUMBER-ONE AT THE BALLPARK<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
According to Street and Smith\u2019s Sports Business Journal<\/em><\/strong>, last season bobbleheads were the number-one MLB giveaway (for the fourth consecutive year). Smith and Street\u2019s<\/em> reports that MLB teams gave away 3.17 million bobbleheads as part of 133 promotional events \u2013 with the San Diego Padres the only team not holding a bobblehead give-away.\u00a0 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 \u2013 51 and 49, respectively.\u00a0 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\u2019 promotional philosophy and processes, click here.<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
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Red Sox Get Creative \u2013 Introducing BBRT\u2019s Selection as 2016\u2019s Most Creative promo \u2026 the Pet Brock<\/em> – and Recognizing Big Papi as 2016\u2019s Promotional All Star<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
![\"David](\"https:\/\/baseballroundtable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/david_ortiz-222x300.jpg\")
David “Big Papi” Ortiz – featured in five 2016 Red Sox giveawys.
Photo by Keith Allison<\/p><\/div>\nThe Boston Red Sox get BBRT\u2019s nod for the most creative give-away of the 2016 season \u2013 the Pet Brock<\/em> (July 19 vs. Giants) a tribute to versatile 2015 All Star Brock Holt<\/strong><\/span> and the 1970\u2019s gift rage Pet Rock.\u00a0 The first 15,000 fans will receive a uniquely Brock\/Red Sox themed replica rock.<\/p>\n
Red Sox Marketing & Promotions Coordinator Steven Oliveira said the Pet Brock idea came from a Red Sox Strategy and Analytics staffer.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe asked folks throughout the organization to send in their ideas for new and creative giveaways, and we really loved the Pet Brock concept,\u201d Oliveira said. \u201cSo we decided to run with it!\u201d<\/p>\n
Also in the running as 2016’s most creative giveaway were the Brewers\u2019 Bob Uecker<\/strong><\/span> Talking Alarm Clock and the Cardinals\u2019 bobblehead tribute to the truly \u201cshort\u201d career of Eddie Gaedel.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
The Red Sox also get kudos for their commitment to honoring DH\/1B David Ortiz<\/strong><\/span> in his 20th and final MLB season (14 with the Red Sox).\u00a0 Ortiz \u2013 a nine-time Star, 2013 World Series MVP, member of the 500-HR club and, of course, former Twin \u2013 gets BBRT\u2019s vote as 2016\u2019s promotional All Star.\u00a0 Big Papi will be featured in five Red Sox giveaways:<\/p>\n
- \n
- David Ortiz 500 (HR) Necklace (April 12 vs. Orioles)<\/li>\n
- David Ortiz 2013 World Series MVP Ring Replica (May 24 vs. Rockies)<\/li>\n
- Papi Garden Gnome (June 21 vs. White Sox)<\/li>\n
- Build-A-Papi (July 26 vs. Tigers)<\/li>\n
- David Ortiz Talking Bobblehead (August 9 vs. Yankees). <\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Oliveira said Ortiz has more than earned his 2016 recognition.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce Ortiz announced that this would be his final season, we knew we had to celebrate his tremendous career in Boston,\u201d Oliveira said.\u00a0 \u201cAlthough 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.\u00a0 With all respect to the Red Sox legends of the past, I don\u2019t know that any player in Red Sox history has meant more to this franchise and city than Big Papi.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0\u00a0 It should be a great year at Fenway \u2013 particularly for fans of David Ortiz.\u00a0 (I\u2019d 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.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n
On a final note, you will find Red Sox players DH David Ortiz, OF Mookie Betts and SP David Price on BBRT\u2019s\u00a0 American League 2016 Bobblehead All Star Team listed at the end of this blog post.<\/p>\n
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BBRT\u2019s Favorite 2016 Bobbleheads<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Here are BBRT\u2019s favorite bobblehead giveaways for 2016.<\/p>\n
- \n
- The Dodgers\u2019 three-player bobblehead \u2026 Recognizing the only time in MLB history three players shared the World Series MVP Award – Ron Cey, Steve Yeager, Pedro Guerrero<\/strong><\/span> in 1981. (July 2 vs. Rockies)<\/li>\n
- The Red Sox\u2019 David Ortiz<\/strong><\/span> talking bobblehead \u2026 Can\u2019t wait to hear what he is going to say. (August 9 vs. Yankees)<\/li>\n
- \n
![\"Brandon](\"https:\/\/baseballroundtable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/BHCrawford-150x150.jpg\")
Brandon Crawford Silver Slugger and Gold Glover bobbleheads.<\/p><\/div>\n
The Giants\u2019 dual bobblehead giveaway honoring SS Brandon Crawford<\/strong><\/span> (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)<\/li>\n
- The Cardinals\u2019 bobblehead honoring the Saint Louis Browns\u2019 Eddie Gaedel<\/strong><\/span> \u2013 at 3\u2019 7\u201d, the shortest player ever to appear in an MLB game. (Sept. 9 vs. Brewers)<\/li>\n
- The Brewers\u2019 Kids Paint-Your-Own Bernie Brewer<\/strong><\/span> bobblehead (May 29 vs. Reds)<\/li>\n
- A trio of Yankees\u2019 bobbleheads: Babe Ruth<\/strong><\/span> (April 23 vs. Rays); Mickey Mantle<\/strong> <\/span>(June 24 vs. Twins); Roger Maris<\/strong> <\/span>(Oct. 1 vs. Orioles). Talk about a powerful outfield.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It\u2019s Not All About Bobbleheads<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
It\u2019s not always about bobbleheads.\u00a0 There are plenty of other ways players are being recognized in 2016 promotions. You could, for example, pick up a Dodgers\u2019 Justin Turner<\/strong><\/span> or Nationals\u2019 Bryce Harper<\/strong><\/span> Chia Pet.\u00a0 There also are garden gnomes for the Giants\u2019 Bruce Bochy<\/strong><\/span>; Cardinals\u2019 Yadier Molina<\/strong><\/span>; Red Sox\u2019 David Ortiz<\/strong><\/span>; Orioles\u2019 Manny Machado<\/strong><\/span>; A\u2019s Sean Doolittle<\/strong><\/span>; Mets\u2019 Noah Syndergaard;<\/strong><\/span> and Pirates\u2019 Josh Harrison<\/strong><\/span>. Baseball not your number-one sport? How about the Dodgers\u2019 Magic Johnson garden gnome, Angels\u2019 soccer scarf or Diamondbacks\u2019 soccer jersey promotions?\u00a0 Here are a few other non-bobblehead giveaways that BBRT would like to have on the home shelf.<\/p>\n
- \n
- The Brewers\u2019 Bob Uecker Talking Alarm Clock<\/strong><\/span> (July 10 vs. Cardinals)<\/li>\n
- The Nationals\u2019<\/strong><\/span> (Election Night at Nationals Park<\/em>) branded Donkey or Elephant<\/strong> <\/span>figurines (Sept. 30 vs. Marlins)<\/li>\n
- Replica World Series Championship Trophies<\/strong><\/span>: 2006 Cardinals (June 3 vs. Giants); 2015 Royals (April 23 vs. Orioles)<\/li>\n
- Cubs\u2019 1916 Replica Throwback Jersey<\/strong> <\/span>(July 6 vs, Reds)<\/li>\n
- The Giants\u2019 \u201cBeat LA\u201d flag<\/strong><\/span> \u2013 nothing like keeping a rivalry alive. (April 9 vs. Dodgers)<\/li>\n
- The Mets\u2019 Jacob deGrom Hair Hat<\/strong><\/span> (Sept. 17 vs. Twins)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Or, how about some techie stuff?<\/p>\n
- \n
- The Giants\u2019 Sergio Romo portable speakers<\/strong> <\/span>(August 27 vs. Braves)<\/li>\n
- The Angels\u2019 selfie stick<\/strong><\/span> (May 6 vs. Rays)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Or really practical:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Rays’ Laundry Hamper<\/strong><\/span> (Aug. 7 vs. Twins)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
And, of course, there is much, much more.\u00a0 Just check each team\u2019s website for dates, quantities and eligibility.<\/p>\n
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Minnesota Twins\u2019 Promotional Give-Aways<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
![\"TwinsHoodie\"](\"https:\/\/baseballroundtable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/TwinsHoodie.jpg\")
Now, let\u2019s move on to my hometown Twins \u2013 last season\u2019s American League team leader in giveaway dates. \u00a0The Twins kick off their promotional season on Opening Day in Minnesota (April 11 vs. the White Sox) \u2013 once again starting the home season with BBRT\u2019s favorite Twins giveaway, the Twins hoodie sweatshirt.\u00a0 This season, playing off the Twins\u2019 new uniforms, the hoodies will be red and the first 30,000 fans through the \u201cturn styles\u201d will go home in Twins\u2019 style.<\/p>\nAmong the other Twins giveaways that caught BBRT\u2019s eye are the Brian Dozier Kids Baseball Glove<\/strong><\/span> (April 17 vs. Angels \u00a0\u2013 first 5,000 fans 14 and under); Brian Dozier adult jersey<\/strong><\/span> (June 11 vs. Red Sox \u00a0\u2013 first 10,000 adult fans); a quartet of bobbleheads<\/strong><\/em><\/span> (Miguel Sano<\/strong><\/span> on June 18; Ervin Santana<\/strong><\/span> on July 2; Torii Hunter<\/strong> <\/span>on July 16; and a vintage<\/strong> <\/span>bobblehead on July 31); the Miguel Sano snow globe<\/strong><\/span> (July 30 vs. White Sox \u2013 first 10,000); The Torii Hunter<\/strong> <\/span>and John Gordon Twins Hall of Fame pins<\/strong> <\/span>(July 17 vs. Indians \u2013 first 5,000); and the Twins 1991 World Championship Beer Stein<\/strong><\/span> (July 27 vs. Braves – first 10,000 fans 21 or over).<\/p>\n
Overall, in 2016, Twins fans will go home with at least:<\/p>\n
- \n
- 60,000 stocking caps<\/li>\n
- 50,000 baseball caps<\/li>\n
- 40,000 bobbbleheads<\/li>\n
- 30,000 hoodie sweatshirts<\/li>\n
- 30,000 stocking caps<\/li>\n
- 20,000 magnetic schedules<\/li>\n
- 20,000 poster schedules<\/li>\n
- 20,000 MLB Network bags<\/li>\n
- 10,000 bomber hats<\/li>\n
- 10,000 travel bags<\/li>\n
- 10,000 pairs of socks<\/li>\n
- 10,000 beer steins<\/li>\n
- 10,000 umbrellas<\/li>\n
- 10,000 adult jerseys<\/li>\n
- 10,000 snow globes<\/li>\n
- 7,500 Wiffle bats<\/li>\n
- 5,000 kids jerseys<\/li>\n
- 5,000 beach towels<\/li>\n
- 5,000 Twins Hall of Fame pins<\/li>\n
- 5,000 beach towels<\/li>\n
- 5,000 kids baseball gloves<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The Angels\u2019 selfie stick<\/strong><\/span> (May 6 vs. Rays)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The Nationals\u2019<\/strong><\/span> (Election Night at Nationals Park<\/em>) branded Donkey or Elephant<\/strong> <\/span>figurines (Sept. 30 vs. Marlins)<\/li>\n
- The Red Sox\u2019 David Ortiz<\/strong><\/span> talking bobblehead \u2026 Can\u2019t wait to hear what he is going to say. (August 9 vs. Yankees)<\/li>\n
- The Dodgers\u2019 three-player bobblehead \u2026 Recognizing the only time in MLB history three players shared the World Series MVP Award – Ron Cey, Steve Yeager, Pedro Guerrero<\/strong><\/span> in 1981. (July 2 vs. Rockies)<\/li>\n
- The Boston Red Sox have made retiring star David Ortiz 2016\u2019s BBRT promotional All Star<\/strong> <\/em>\u2013 featuring Big Papi in five giveaways.<\/span><\/li>\n