Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on April 2, 2013

Fans in the know are as likely to buy Major League Baseball tickets based on scheduled giveaways and promotions as on the opponent. Here then is a list to help introduce you to this aspect of game attendance.

1. Where to begin

All major-league team websites are laid out much the same, and by checking the pull-down menus under Schedule you will find a rundown for Promotions and Giveaways or Promotions and Special Events. In virtually every case there is information about how many of any giveaway item will be available, which can be important to know in planning how early to get to the ballpark, since its first come, first serve.

Quantities generally vary between 5,000 to 25,000. Some items are just for kids, such as the Wiffle Ball set the Phillies give away. Others are for adults, such as the 5,000 fishing lures handed out by the Minnesota Twins.

The Phillies believe that any fan in the specified age category is entitled to the giveaway regardless of what time they arrive for the game. The Seattle Mariners, similarly, say that even their most popular items are available at the gates for an hour or so after they open.

2. Bobblehead mania

An informal survey indicates that bobblehead dolls rank as the most popular freebie each and every year across the majors. These spring-headed dolls, along with figurines and statues, are great collectibles, and therefore incentivize fans to attend certain games or a series of games.

See bobblehead gallery

The Milwaukee Brewers are the leaders in this specialty area, with 10 bobblehead giveaways scheduled this year. Their bobblehead lineup ranges from former stars, such as Hank Aaron and Gorman Thomas, to the current crop, including Norichika Aoki and Ryan Braun, to the whimsical in the form of the Polish Sausage that races in the now-famous, comical events that entertain fans at home games. The Kansas City Royals, whose version of the sausage race is their Hot Dog Derby, will be distributing Ketchup, Mustard, and Relish racer bobbles during selected games.

Some clubs offer team broadcaster bobbleheads. The Dodgers will honor Vin Scully this way for his 63 years at the mike. The St. Louis Cardinals are giving away a Mike Shannon bobblehead with a voice chip.

See the original post here:
Major League Baseball 2013: bobbleheads and fireworks galore for fans

Category: Jewish American Heritage Month
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