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Anti-Bobblehead Article - "Give Up on Bad Giveaways"

Editorial from oudaily.com...

The bobblehead craze needs to die, and quick.

There were a couple of years it was fashionable for teams to give away bobbles to boost attendance. However, it’s time it ended. And I have three reasons why.

Number one is Warren Cromartie bobblehead night at in Montreal on May 9. Number two is Scott Podsednik bobblehead night in Milwaukee, Wis., on June 12. And the third reason comes the next day. Oakland will be giving away Carney Lansford bobbles.

When the likes of the nameless Cromartie, light-hitting Podsednik and mediocre Lansford get bobbleheads, it’s time to end the madness.

Unfortunately, there’s another fad waiting in the wings to take over once King Bobble has been dethroned.

And the czar is fittingly from Russia.

Russian nesting dolls will be given away by 11 major league teams this season. They honor personas including Roberto Clemente and the Phillie Phanatic.

The champion of promotions is also the reigning world champion. In addition to nesting dolls, Florida has enough quality giveaways for the entire National League.

Among the promotions on the Marlins calendar this season are a talking bottle opener, a Billy the Marlin piggy bank, a Dontrelle Willis “D-Train” conductor hat and 13 posters from the Miami Herald.

Fans at Saturday’s Marlins game received a replica of the team’s championship ring.

The Marlins are also celebrating the diversity of Miami. There will be Venezuelan, Cuban, Jewish, African-American, Puerto Rican, Columbian, Irish and Dominican Nights at Pro Player Stadium this summer.

Not to be outdone, the Mets will have International Week in August. Pakistani-American, African-American, Asian, Hispanic, Irish, Jewish and Italian Nights are on tap.

The Mets also have one of the more interesting giveaways this season. On June 4, the Mets and Yankees will both give away ice-cube trays.

Other unique promotions include Jacque Jones fishing lures from the Twins, shower curtains from the Blue Jays, Eric Gagne Hummer H2 miniature cars from the Dodgers and Parrothead night with the Devil Rays.

Unfortunately, the greatest promotional night will not be returning for 2004.

In previous years, the Arkansas Travelers of the Double-A Texas League would have midget wrestling at home plate before a couple of home games a year.

Alas, the midgets will not be making any appearances at Ray Winder Field this season.

Article by: R. McGhee at www.oudaily.com